Mina Zarfsaz, Eugene Lew, 7 Valleys: REwind/REwild, Asian Arts Initiaive, March 30, 2024
Inspired by the Seven Valleys of Attar of Nishapur's "Conference of the Birds," a renowned Persian literary masterpiece, and the conservation concept of "Rewilding," this collaborative performance synthesizes a multi-sensory space that revolves around the semiotics of social interactions among multi-species.
Performed at Shiraz Panaroma as part of A UTOPIAN STAGE, an exhibition at Asian Arts Initiative from February 9 to March 30, 2024:
"The Shiraz Arts Festival was a platform for cultural exchange that brought together artists from around the world to share and celebrate their diverse artistic expressions. One notable event from the festival was the “Stockhausen Panorama” in 1972, which celebrated the work of the German composer Karlheinz Stockhausen through a series of multiple concerts. Our “Shiraz Panorama” celebrates that legacy through the rich lens of Philadelphia’s vibrant performing arts community. Mina Zarfsaz & Eugene Lew will present a new work inspired by the Persian poem “The Conference of the Birds,” followed by a gallery tour with curator Vali Mahlouji. Traditional Indian classical Bharatanatyam dance will be performed by USILOQUY DANCE, and the evening will include a cultural debate with special guests. Jupiter Blue, featuring members of Sun Ra Arkestra, will captivate with guitar and vocals, leading to traditional Balinese music and dance by Gamelan Gita Santi x Modero & Company, and a striking performance of Luciano Berio’s “Sequenza III per voce” (1965) by Alize Rozsnyai. Experimental percussion by Shakoor Hakeem & Pete Angevine, Toshi Makihara’s unique fusion of percussion and dance, and traditional Korean percussion by Uriol우리얼 will round out this vibrant celebration of world arts." ~bowerbird