ZAN

ZAN

An Opera about the Embodiment of Liberation

ZAN draws from a series of references, subconscious archetypes, collective dreams and nightmares, the works from poets, writers, activists, and from ancient Persian mythologie kept alive through resistance, art and worship. These themes are embodied as well as reflected in the scenography, light design, art direction, text and music of the piece.

The Simurgh is a mythical creature from Persian mythology, portrayed as an enormous creature that is part bird part mammal, that symbolizes wisdom, protection and immortality. In Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh, an epic poem from the 11th century that describes pre-islamic mythology and history of Persia, the Simurgh is the guardian and protector of Zal, who’s son Rostam will become one of Persia’s hero’s.

In ZAN the Simurgh represents the spirit of humanism, mysticism and freedom. It is evoked and summoned throughout the piece to endow the women with supernatural power, otherworldly wisdom and precision in their actions on the journey of liberation. The Simurgh is the timeless dramaturg of ZAN’s creation, guiding us through total destruction and resurrection.

Next to the story of the Simurgh, ZAN’s libretto draws from the writings of Narges Mohammadi and other illegally captivated women prisoners, gathered in the book White Torture (2023). The description of the isolation, the torture and interrogation methods used on women in prison, will form the backdrop of the opera. The scenography, costumes and light design will be conceptualised through the lens of the book White Torture, as it serves as a contemporary container for reading and possibly understanding the womens’liberation movement in Iran and worldwide.