Artistic Performance
Simorgh

Performance

Mon, 22.04.2024
7:00 PM - 20:00 ACUD Studio

„Look at the troubles happening in our world!
Anarchy-discintent-upheaval!
Desperate fights over territory, water, and food!
Poisend air! Unhappiness!
I fear we are lost. We must do something!
I have seen the world. I know many secrets.
Listen to me: I know of a king who has all answers. We must go and find him.“
(The conference of the Birds by Peter Sis, London 2012)
   
Four artists explored the famous epic "Conference of the Birds" by the Persian poet Farīd al-Dīn Aṭṭār (1136-1221) as part of a two-week residency organised in collaboration between Ipso gGmbH and the Goethe-Institut in exile.


Through dialogue, music and movement, the artists Ebaa Monther from Golan Heights, Niki Yaghmaee from Iran, Fadi Aljabour from Syria and Fyodor Stepanov from Russia got to know each other at the Ipso Academy in South Allgäu and developed an interdisciplinary artistic performance inspired by the poem by Aṭṭār, which deals with the search for Simorgh.

The four artists will present the results of their collaboration on this evening at the ACUD Theatre in Berlin.

The aim of this residency as part of the diverse programme of the Ipso Academy and the Goethe-Institut in Exile was to think and act beyond borders and apathy, to create spaces for encounters and to promote community by bringing together diversity. The programme calls for the responsibility of each and every individual, regardless of culture, politics or economics, to work for peace and reconciliation on a deeply human level. The dialogue created during the residency between the four artists, all of whom live and work in exile in Germany, shows how barriers can be overcome and new connections forged.


ARTISTS:

© Privat

Ebaa Monther, born in Golan Heights in 1993 and currently based in Berlin, is a multifaceted performer, actress, musician, and creator. She obtained her bachelor's degree in theatre from Haifa University in 2016 and further pursued her passion by earning a master's degree in performing arts from Tel Aviv University in 2018.
Identifying herself as "the mountain girl who performs," Ebaa draws inspiration from her upbringing surrounded by the mountains and animals of Golan Heights. These elements are deeply ingrained in her memory through folkloric songs and fairytales, forming the foundation of her identity and sense of belonging. Through her performances, she not only showcases her unique musical and artistic style but also amplifies the voices and experiences of women.
Ebaa's journey with singing, acting, and music commenced in her early years in Majdal Shams, Occupied Syrian Golan, where her family's influence sparked her interest in piano and theatre performance. As she delved into her university studies focusing on theatre and performance art, her musical approach evolved to view songs as integrated performance pieces, enriching her creative expression.

© Studio Monbijou

Niki Yaghmaee, an Iranian multi-instrumentalist, commenced his musical journey in 2007, specializing in the violin and viola. Having graduated with a degree in performing viola from UASTF11 Music, he has since exhibited his fusion/experimental talents on the plugged violin at live events throughout Iran, Turkey, and Europe.
Niki's repertoire encompasses solo performances, orchestral contributions, and collaborations with ensembles. Subsequent to the release of a fusion album with the "Talangor Band," he transitioned to producing alternative hip-hop beats featuring the violin. This transition marked a significant moment, reflecting his eagerness to explore diverse genres and techniques. Additionally, Niki established “Duos Duet," a violin cello duo, where he assumed roles as a musician, producer, and director. The duo embarked on their musical journey in 2017 by busking in Tehran and presenting their original compositions at various concerts. Duos Duet utilizes looping techniques to craft a unique soundscape and incorporates Iranian-rooted motifs into their music, leading the audience on a mesmerizing journey with their violin and cello.

© Privat

Fadi Aljabour, (* 1980 in Damascus), currently residing in Berlin, is an interdisciplinary artist, explores the interconnectedness of the evolution of opposing concepts. Through his art, he challenges established perspectives, creating situations that offer the opportunity for deeper understanding and reflection. His diverse works span performance, sculpture and video installations, showcasing versatile techniques and materials. Aljabour works have been exhibited at: Kindl, Berlin 2023; Documenta 15, Kassel 2022; Ethnologisches Museum, Berlin 2022; Gallery im Körnerpark, Berlin 2022; Brücke Museum, Berlin 2021; nGbK, Berlin 2021; Sophiensaele, Berlin 2019; Akademie der Künste, Berlin 2018; Herbst Salon,Gorki Theater, Berlin 2017; Schwules Museum, Berlin 2013; P21 Gallery, London 2013.

© Ksenia Sova

Fyodor Stepanov, sound aritst, mainly working with field recordings and live coding. He studied composition at Jazz Insitut Berlin and has many years of professional experience as a double bass player in a range of genres between classical/baroque and contemporary music. In their works the collective approaches critically the methodology of statistical data collection, which raises question of what should be considered “normal”, “common sense” or “scientifically proofed”. Being born in Russia to a Ukrainian family into the aftermath of the Soviet Union’s collapse and later migrating to Europe with no possibility of returning, has defined Fyodor’s work for many years, permeating it with a sense of displacement and dispossession, while also fuelling his fascination with transient, shifting identities inherent in sound. Beginning his artistic career as a jazz musician, Fyodor worked in a variety of projects ranging from classical and baroque music to experimental jazz and free improvisation. In recent years he prefers to work on sound art or improvise in smaller groups of electro-acoustic musicians. His approach combines field recording with hand-crafted audio-processing tolls in Pure Data.