By Gowri Ramnarayan - Frontline - India
Volume 24 - Issue 02: Jan. 27/Feb. 09, 2007
Interview with Uzbek director Ovlyakuli Khojakuli
A shaven head streaming with plaited strands, ear and finger rings, a chain with an "Om" pendant, a wrist band... Ovlyakuli Khojakuli cannot but turn eyes towards him wherever he goes. More, the man breathes alertness.
Born in Turkmenistan where he studied theatre, Khojakuli went on to work in Uzbekistan with different theatre groups. He specialises in adapting Central Asian audio-visual and story-telling traditions in his modern productions.
His interest in Sufism and poetry made him dramatise works such as "Seven Tourists" by Central Asian poet Alisher Navoi, and "Conference of the Birds" by 12th century Persian mystic Fariduddin Attar.
His film Oedipus had a Turkmenistan cast. Khojakuli's striking imagery has attracted international attention.
Did you have a choice in this project?
Yes.
Why did you choose Medea?
Medea is one of the most challenging characters in Greek mythology. She represents the problems of all women faced with difficult choices. She had a big love in her life. She believed in the sanctity of marriage, motherhood, home-making. Betrayed by Jason, her faith turns to fury.
Her decision to kill her children is not an easy one, not done on the spur of the moment. It was a considered choice to do what she thought was right - for the children, and the world. She did not want them to grow up like Jason, become oppressors and contaminate the earth.
These were the issues I wanted to show on the stage and open out for discussion. Show why she did what she did. Was she prompted by love? Wrath? Vengefulness? I needed very strong acting from the actor to realise my goal. Medea's decision is one of the most powerful decisions in Greek mythology.
(...)
Your dialogues are modulated to create an incantative kind of opera. Why?The characters are so strong and highly charged with emotions. So I evolved this way of delivery - not music, not rhetoric but a scream. Tragedy should be like a prayer of despair. Of course, actors had trouble doing this, but we did manage.
What was the most difficult thing in this production for you?
It was the problem of working with actors from different theatres and groups, each with his/her own ways of doing things. To bring them together and make them work as a team was tough.
This first show is raw. A few more shows and the actors will become stronger, more sensitive.
How was it to work in a trilogy, sharing space with other directors?In theatre, the director is the head of the team. Here we had three heads! So the director has to do what he should never do: compromise. At times it became more important than the final product. But we will work more now...
[see also: http://sufinews.blogspot.com/search?q=medea]
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query medea. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query medea. Sort by date Show all posts
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Monday, January 08, 2007
"Performing Women": a one-of-its-kind theatre collaboration
By Madhur Tankha - The Hindu - New Delhi,India
Thursday, January 4, 2007
As part of the ninth edition of the National School of Drama's Bharat Rang Mahotsav, theatre that has come about due to collaboration among India, Iran, Uzbekistan and Japan will be staged at Abhimanch Auditorium in Bahawalpur House here this coming Sunday and Monday.
Titled "Performing Women Medea, Jocasta and Clytemnestra", the one-of-its-kind theatre collaboration will not show "realistic" plays but experimental ones. Based on Greek tragedy, the storyline will be presented in a unique way by each director with the aim of exploring the concept of woman as a metaphor for key concepts.
Each country will have its own cast too.
Produced by the Japan Foundation, the theatre collaboration will show India's Abhilash Pillai, an alumnus of the National School of Drama, staging theatre. He will work around the Clytemnestra character from "The Trojan Women". His works are drawn from a wide array of materials ranging from the classical to the modern yet presented in an aesthetic style. Music will be presented by Sankar Venkateswaran.
Iran's Mohammad Aghebati, who graduated from the Iran Film and Theatre University majoring in direction, will work on the Jocasta character from "Oedipus Rex" for his theatrical presentation.
In 2006, Aghebati founded the Live (Sun) II Theatre Group and performed his new work, "Only God Has the Right to Wake Up", at the International Freiburg Theatre Festival in Germany. His credits include William Butler Yeats' "Purgatory", Jean-Pierre Jeunet's "The Maids" and "Kiss You and Tears" based on Czech freedom activist Vaclav Havel's Letters to Olga. In fact, "Kiss You and Tears" was performed in several cities in Germany in 2004-2005.
Uzbekistan's Ovlyakuli Khojakuli will work on the Medea character by Euripedes. Born in Turkmenistan, Khojakuli studied at Tashkent State Art Institute.
He is one of the few directors who incorporate Central Asian traditions in modern ways, such as the aesthetics of Sufism and the traditional storytelling to create pieces that overflow with primary beauty.
His productions have attracted international attention such as Raksu S'amo ("Sky Dance") by Alisher Navoi and Shakespeare's King Lear and Language of the Birds by A. Navoi.
Friday, June 08, 2007
For the Love of Rumi
By MS Tamir - Persian Mirror - U.S.A.Wednesday, June 6, 2007
For the love of Rumi-- An evening of poetry, music and film celebrating UNESCO's Year of Rumi 2007
"The way of the heart" ecstatic poetry and Sufi teaching stories of Rumi featuring actress Tamir with Persian music by Amir Vahab.
"Rumi -- Turning ecstatic..." filmaker Tina Petrova takes us deep into the heart of Sufi mysticism, featuring Coleman Barks, Andrew Harvey and the Whirling Dervishes of Turkey.
Sunday, June 17; 8pm; New York Open Center;
83 Spring St., NYC NY
83 Spring St., NYC NY
About Tamir: "Allow Tamir to awaken the soul of Rumi within you. Stunning!" said internationally recognized speaker Dr. Wayne Dyer.
Tamir brings the teachings and poetry of Rumi alive in the 21st century. Her performance culminates with a short whirling ceremony in traditional Turkish costume.
She has performed at the United Nations, Sufi Symposium in Edinburgh, Scotland. Actress, playwright and performer of three one-woman shows. Some roles: Medea, Maria Callas, Bernarda Alba, Leah in the Dybbuk and many others.
www.rumi-wayoftheheart.com
Tamir brings the teachings and poetry of Rumi alive in the 21st century. Her performance culminates with a short whirling ceremony in traditional Turkish costume.
She has performed at the United Nations, Sufi Symposium in Edinburgh, Scotland. Actress, playwright and performer of three one-woman shows. Some roles: Medea, Maria Callas, Bernarda Alba, Leah in the Dybbuk and many others.
www.rumi-wayoftheheart.com
About Amir Vahab: Accomplished Iranian musican and composer who plays tanbur, setar, tar, ney and daf and sings in the traditional Persian style.
He composed music for theater and film and appeared in Iranian television and radio in the US. He formed the Soroosh (Messenger Angel) ensemble, which performs folklore music of Iran and draws from Kurdish, Turkish and Lurish traditions and mystical Sufi music.
His aim is to draw the listener's attention to the spiritual dimension of existence.
www.tanbour.org
He composed music for theater and film and appeared in Iranian television and radio in the US. He formed the Soroosh (Messenger Angel) ensemble, which performs folklore music of Iran and draws from Kurdish, Turkish and Lurish traditions and mystical Sufi music.
His aim is to draw the listener's attention to the spiritual dimension of existence.
www.tanbour.org
About Tina Petrova: Tina Petrova Her film is a docudrama, recounting Petrova's real life encouter with Rumi after a fateful car crash.
She has been part of the Canadian film, televison and stage scene for over 20 years, as an award winning actress, writer, producer and director. Her film debut "The Lost Years," produced with assistance of the National Film Board, garnered nationwide interest and the Golden Sheaf Awards.
An alumni of the Canadian Film Center founded by Academy award winner Norman Jewison.
www.rumi-turningecstatic.com
She has been part of the Canadian film, televison and stage scene for over 20 years, as an award winning actress, writer, producer and director. Her film debut "The Lost Years," produced with assistance of the National Film Board, garnered nationwide interest and the Golden Sheaf Awards.
An alumni of the Canadian Film Center founded by Academy award winner Norman Jewison.
www.rumi-turningecstatic.com
For tickets call: Ticket Central 212.279.4200
All Tickets $20.00
All Tickets $20.00
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Showing posts sorted by relevance for query medea. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query medea. Sort by date Show all posts
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
`We Had Three Heads'
No comments:
Labels:
art and arts,
interview
By Gowri Ramnarayan - Frontline - India
Volume 24 - Issue 02: Jan. 27/Feb. 09, 2007
Interview with Uzbek director Ovlyakuli Khojakuli
A shaven head streaming with plaited strands, ear and finger rings, a chain with an "Om" pendant, a wrist band... Ovlyakuli Khojakuli cannot but turn eyes towards him wherever he goes. More, the man breathes alertness.
Born in Turkmenistan where he studied theatre, Khojakuli went on to work in Uzbekistan with different theatre groups. He specialises in adapting Central Asian audio-visual and story-telling traditions in his modern productions.
His interest in Sufism and poetry made him dramatise works such as "Seven Tourists" by Central Asian poet Alisher Navoi, and "Conference of the Birds" by 12th century Persian mystic Fariduddin Attar.
His film Oedipus had a Turkmenistan cast. Khojakuli's striking imagery has attracted international attention.
Did you have a choice in this project?
Yes.
Why did you choose Medea?
Medea is one of the most challenging characters in Greek mythology. She represents the problems of all women faced with difficult choices. She had a big love in her life. She believed in the sanctity of marriage, motherhood, home-making. Betrayed by Jason, her faith turns to fury.
Her decision to kill her children is not an easy one, not done on the spur of the moment. It was a considered choice to do what she thought was right - for the children, and the world. She did not want them to grow up like Jason, become oppressors and contaminate the earth.
These were the issues I wanted to show on the stage and open out for discussion. Show why she did what she did. Was she prompted by love? Wrath? Vengefulness? I needed very strong acting from the actor to realise my goal. Medea's decision is one of the most powerful decisions in Greek mythology.
(...)
Your dialogues are modulated to create an incantative kind of opera. Why?The characters are so strong and highly charged with emotions. So I evolved this way of delivery - not music, not rhetoric but a scream. Tragedy should be like a prayer of despair. Of course, actors had trouble doing this, but we did manage.
What was the most difficult thing in this production for you?
It was the problem of working with actors from different theatres and groups, each with his/her own ways of doing things. To bring them together and make them work as a team was tough.
This first show is raw. A few more shows and the actors will become stronger, more sensitive.
How was it to work in a trilogy, sharing space with other directors?In theatre, the director is the head of the team. Here we had three heads! So the director has to do what he should never do: compromise. At times it became more important than the final product. But we will work more now...
[see also: http://sufinews.blogspot.com/search?q=medea]
Read More
Volume 24 - Issue 02: Jan. 27/Feb. 09, 2007
Interview with Uzbek director Ovlyakuli Khojakuli
A shaven head streaming with plaited strands, ear and finger rings, a chain with an "Om" pendant, a wrist band... Ovlyakuli Khojakuli cannot but turn eyes towards him wherever he goes. More, the man breathes alertness.
Born in Turkmenistan where he studied theatre, Khojakuli went on to work in Uzbekistan with different theatre groups. He specialises in adapting Central Asian audio-visual and story-telling traditions in his modern productions.
His interest in Sufism and poetry made him dramatise works such as "Seven Tourists" by Central Asian poet Alisher Navoi, and "Conference of the Birds" by 12th century Persian mystic Fariduddin Attar.
His film Oedipus had a Turkmenistan cast. Khojakuli's striking imagery has attracted international attention.
Did you have a choice in this project?
Yes.
Why did you choose Medea?
Medea is one of the most challenging characters in Greek mythology. She represents the problems of all women faced with difficult choices. She had a big love in her life. She believed in the sanctity of marriage, motherhood, home-making. Betrayed by Jason, her faith turns to fury.
Her decision to kill her children is not an easy one, not done on the spur of the moment. It was a considered choice to do what she thought was right - for the children, and the world. She did not want them to grow up like Jason, become oppressors and contaminate the earth.
These were the issues I wanted to show on the stage and open out for discussion. Show why she did what she did. Was she prompted by love? Wrath? Vengefulness? I needed very strong acting from the actor to realise my goal. Medea's decision is one of the most powerful decisions in Greek mythology.
(...)
Your dialogues are modulated to create an incantative kind of opera. Why?The characters are so strong and highly charged with emotions. So I evolved this way of delivery - not music, not rhetoric but a scream. Tragedy should be like a prayer of despair. Of course, actors had trouble doing this, but we did manage.
What was the most difficult thing in this production for you?
It was the problem of working with actors from different theatres and groups, each with his/her own ways of doing things. To bring them together and make them work as a team was tough.
This first show is raw. A few more shows and the actors will become stronger, more sensitive.
How was it to work in a trilogy, sharing space with other directors?In theatre, the director is the head of the team. Here we had three heads! So the director has to do what he should never do: compromise. At times it became more important than the final product. But we will work more now...
[see also: http://sufinews.blogspot.com/search?q=medea]
Monday, January 08, 2007
"Performing Women": a one-of-its-kind theatre collaboration
By Madhur Tankha - The Hindu - New Delhi,India
Titled "Performing Women Medea, Jocasta and Clytemnestra", the one-of-its-kind theatre collaboration will not show "realistic" plays but experimental ones. Based on Greek tragedy, the storyline will be presented in a unique way by each director with the aim of exploring the concept of woman as a metaphor for key concepts.
Produced by the Japan Foundation, the theatre collaboration will show India's Abhilash Pillai, an alumnus of the National School of Drama, staging theatre. He will work around the Clytemnestra character from "The Trojan Women". His works are drawn from a wide array of materials ranging from the classical to the modern yet presented in an aesthetic style. Music will be presented by Sankar Venkateswaran.
Iran's Mohammad Aghebati, who graduated from the Iran Film and Theatre University majoring in direction, will work on the Jocasta character from "Oedipus Rex" for his theatrical presentation.
In 2006, Aghebati founded the Live (Sun) II Theatre Group and performed his new work, "Only God Has the Right to Wake Up", at the International Freiburg Theatre Festival in Germany. His credits include William Butler Yeats' "Purgatory", Jean-Pierre Jeunet's "The Maids" and "Kiss You and Tears" based on Czech freedom activist Vaclav Havel's Letters to Olga. In fact, "Kiss You and Tears" was performed in several cities in Germany in 2004-2005.
Uzbekistan's Ovlyakuli Khojakuli will work on the Medea character by Euripedes. Born in Turkmenistan, Khojakuli studied at Tashkent State Art Institute.
He is one of the few directors who incorporate Central Asian traditions in modern ways, such as the aesthetics of Sufism and the traditional storytelling to create pieces that overflow with primary beauty.
Read More
No comments:
Labels:
art and arts
By Madhur Tankha - The Hindu - New Delhi,India
Thursday, January 4, 2007
As part of the ninth edition of the National School of Drama's Bharat Rang Mahotsav, theatre that has come about due to collaboration among India, Iran, Uzbekistan and Japan will be staged at Abhimanch Auditorium in Bahawalpur House here this coming Sunday and Monday.
Titled "Performing Women Medea, Jocasta and Clytemnestra", the one-of-its-kind theatre collaboration will not show "realistic" plays but experimental ones. Based on Greek tragedy, the storyline will be presented in a unique way by each director with the aim of exploring the concept of woman as a metaphor for key concepts.
Each country will have its own cast too.
Produced by the Japan Foundation, the theatre collaboration will show India's Abhilash Pillai, an alumnus of the National School of Drama, staging theatre. He will work around the Clytemnestra character from "The Trojan Women". His works are drawn from a wide array of materials ranging from the classical to the modern yet presented in an aesthetic style. Music will be presented by Sankar Venkateswaran.
Iran's Mohammad Aghebati, who graduated from the Iran Film and Theatre University majoring in direction, will work on the Jocasta character from "Oedipus Rex" for his theatrical presentation.
In 2006, Aghebati founded the Live (Sun) II Theatre Group and performed his new work, "Only God Has the Right to Wake Up", at the International Freiburg Theatre Festival in Germany. His credits include William Butler Yeats' "Purgatory", Jean-Pierre Jeunet's "The Maids" and "Kiss You and Tears" based on Czech freedom activist Vaclav Havel's Letters to Olga. In fact, "Kiss You and Tears" was performed in several cities in Germany in 2004-2005.
Uzbekistan's Ovlyakuli Khojakuli will work on the Medea character by Euripedes. Born in Turkmenistan, Khojakuli studied at Tashkent State Art Institute.
He is one of the few directors who incorporate Central Asian traditions in modern ways, such as the aesthetics of Sufism and the traditional storytelling to create pieces that overflow with primary beauty.
His productions have attracted international attention such as Raksu S'amo ("Sky Dance") by Alisher Navoi and Shakespeare's King Lear and Language of the Birds by A. Navoi.
Friday, June 08, 2007
For the Love of Rumi
By MS Tamir - Persian Mirror - U.S.A.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
For the love of Rumi-- An evening of poetry, music and film celebrating UNESCO's Year of Rumi 2007
"The way of the heart" ecstatic poetry and Sufi teaching stories of Rumi featuring actress Tamir with Persian music by Amir Vahab.
"Rumi -- Turning ecstatic..." filmaker Tina Petrova takes us deep into the heart of Sufi mysticism, featuring Coleman Barks, Andrew Harvey and the Whirling Dervishes of Turkey.
Read More
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Labels:
cinema,
events,
music,
poetry
By MS Tamir - Persian Mirror - U.S.A.Wednesday, June 6, 2007
For the love of Rumi-- An evening of poetry, music and film celebrating UNESCO's Year of Rumi 2007
"The way of the heart" ecstatic poetry and Sufi teaching stories of Rumi featuring actress Tamir with Persian music by Amir Vahab.
"Rumi -- Turning ecstatic..." filmaker Tina Petrova takes us deep into the heart of Sufi mysticism, featuring Coleman Barks, Andrew Harvey and the Whirling Dervishes of Turkey.
Sunday, June 17; 8pm; New York Open Center;
83 Spring St., NYC NY
83 Spring St., NYC NY
About Tamir: "Allow Tamir to awaken the soul of Rumi within you. Stunning!" said internationally recognized speaker Dr. Wayne Dyer.
Tamir brings the teachings and poetry of Rumi alive in the 21st century. Her performance culminates with a short whirling ceremony in traditional Turkish costume.
She has performed at the United Nations, Sufi Symposium in Edinburgh, Scotland. Actress, playwright and performer of three one-woman shows. Some roles: Medea, Maria Callas, Bernarda Alba, Leah in the Dybbuk and many others.
www.rumi-wayoftheheart.com
Tamir brings the teachings and poetry of Rumi alive in the 21st century. Her performance culminates with a short whirling ceremony in traditional Turkish costume.
She has performed at the United Nations, Sufi Symposium in Edinburgh, Scotland. Actress, playwright and performer of three one-woman shows. Some roles: Medea, Maria Callas, Bernarda Alba, Leah in the Dybbuk and many others.
www.rumi-wayoftheheart.com
About Amir Vahab: Accomplished Iranian musican and composer who plays tanbur, setar, tar, ney and daf and sings in the traditional Persian style.
He composed music for theater and film and appeared in Iranian television and radio in the US. He formed the Soroosh (Messenger Angel) ensemble, which performs folklore music of Iran and draws from Kurdish, Turkish and Lurish traditions and mystical Sufi music.
His aim is to draw the listener's attention to the spiritual dimension of existence.
www.tanbour.org
He composed music for theater and film and appeared in Iranian television and radio in the US. He formed the Soroosh (Messenger Angel) ensemble, which performs folklore music of Iran and draws from Kurdish, Turkish and Lurish traditions and mystical Sufi music.
His aim is to draw the listener's attention to the spiritual dimension of existence.
www.tanbour.org
About Tina Petrova: Tina Petrova Her film is a docudrama, recounting Petrova's real life encouter with Rumi after a fateful car crash.
She has been part of the Canadian film, televison and stage scene for over 20 years, as an award winning actress, writer, producer and director. Her film debut "The Lost Years," produced with assistance of the National Film Board, garnered nationwide interest and the Golden Sheaf Awards.
An alumni of the Canadian Film Center founded by Academy award winner Norman Jewison.
www.rumi-turningecstatic.com
She has been part of the Canadian film, televison and stage scene for over 20 years, as an award winning actress, writer, producer and director. Her film debut "The Lost Years," produced with assistance of the National Film Board, garnered nationwide interest and the Golden Sheaf Awards.
An alumni of the Canadian Film Center founded by Academy award winner Norman Jewison.
www.rumi-turningecstatic.com
For tickets call: Ticket Central 212.279.4200
All Tickets $20.00
All Tickets $20.00
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