“Forbidden body, rise and fall” is a research on bodies who have lived and survived in societies where it is banned to have a freely moving body. We will go together on a journey of what happens for those bodies and their cultures to find healing and cultural connection within the diaspora.

Join us for Zaar, a unique ritual dedicated to exploring grief in a shared space. In this experience, there is no audience — only participants engaged in a transformative journey. Following an introduction to the research behind Zaar, we will create sound together using percussion and our voices, moving through the space as one. Drawing inspiration from ancient rituals spanning East and North Africa to Central Asia, I will share body movement techniques that honor these traditions while adapting them for modern expression.

This sacred space is exclusively for BIPoC individuals, allowing us to embrace moments of healing. Let’s honor our collective grief and emerge renewed.

Content Notes

 Please note that the performance will include intense scents from incense, moments of darkness and note that this experience is intended for adults. For the comfort and focus of all participants, we kindly ask that animals are not brought to the space.

Concept, Chorepography, Performance: ShahrZad

Funded by Hauptstadtkulturfonds (HKF) and Senatsverwaltung für Kultur und Gesellschaftlichen Zusammenhalt (IMPACT Förderung).