THE TELEGRAPH: A Saudi girl band is defying the strict Islamic regime's taboos on female expression of emotion and identity.
The band, called the Accolade, has written an underground hit called Pinocchio, that has been downloaded from their MySpace page. While they cannot perform in public, the four students have been able to stage gigs in private compounds and make studio recordings of their material.
Saudi Arabia maintains a strict code of control over women, based on Islamic precepts. The rules prohibit women from appearing in public alone or without an enshrouding veil. Women officially cannot make independent travel, education or medical choices without permission from a senior male relative.
There is even an injunction against women drivers.
One of member of the band told the New York Times that its formation was a demonstration of generational change. "The upcoming generation is different from the one before," said Dina, 21, a founder member and guitarist. "Everything is changing. Maybe in 10 years it's going to be OK to have a band with live performances."
But there are considerable risks in the limited exposure the women have sought. >>> By Damien McElroy, Foreign Affairs Correspondent | November 25, 2008
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