A space of destruction
Is the space of new creation
An end
Is the point of a new beginning
A death
Is the passage to a new life
And a collapse
Is a catalyst to ‘rise again’
.
SOM evokes this inseparability and the constant dialogue between the opposite forces in nature that define our existence. Through the poetic verses of Late Kazi Nazrul Islam – the National poet of Bangladesh – I invoke Lord Shiva – the embodiment of the forces of destruction as well as of creation – during our prolonged time of crisis with an urgent request:
Please stop your dance of darkness and begin your dance of new light.
Song Written & Composed by: Kazi Nazrul Islam
Concept, Choreography, Performance & Narration: Mushtari Afroz
Vocal & Music Arrangement: Tanveer Alam Shawjeeb
Sitar: Nishit Dey
Tabla, Pakhawaj & Bol Padhat: Pallab Sanyal
Filming & Editing: Shawn Barry
The Research & Creation phase of this work was made possible in 2020-2021 with the support of the Canada Council for the Arts.
Performance History:
SOM will premiere in March 2022 at ‘Tapashta’ – a digital shortworks festival organized by the SpringWorks Indie Theatre & Arts Festival, Stratford, Ontario.