Category

Theatre

“Destur” – Sweet Blasphemy

This is the first time National Theatre of Kosovo has presented a piece about the well-known Sufi poet, Rumi. To tell his story the troop have gone through an intense training to captivate authentic dervish dances. “Destur”, a play by Musa Ramadani and a novel within a novel called “Sweet Blasphemy” ( from “40 Rules of Love” by Elif Shafak) have all merged to create a play with dramaturgy and directed by Zana Hoxha.

Set in the 13th century, this play revolves around the various interpretations of religion and love and the conflicts that arise between academic intellect and pure wisdom. Shams of Tabris, a wanderer searching for God, has found his purest form of love and his captivating presence leaves all people transformed when they cross Shams’ path. Maulana Rumi, is a dervish (Sufi) imam praised for his academical wisdom for God.

The dramatic encounter of Shams and Rumi in the city of Konyo is the turning point to Rumi’s spiritual journey. These [two] lock themselves in Rumi’s library for 40 days as each day, they discuss the 40 Rules of Love. This love is addressed to God throughout the story, but its magic lies in the relevance of the philosophical discussions about romantic love, pertinent to modern day 21st century. Shams teaches Rumi how to open his heart entirely and experience God in a new way.

Leading roles: Maulana Rumi: Çun Lajçi, Shems of Tabriz: Shkelzen Veseli Other roles: Armend Smajli, Edlir Gashi, May-Linda Kosumoviç, Semira Latifi, Anisa Ismajli, Basri Lushtaku, Kushtrim Qerimi, Flamur Ahmeti, Armend Ballazhi, Mikel Markaj, Selman Jusufi, Florent Salihu, Blend Sadiku, Leonit Maloku. Choreographer: Robert Nuha, Costumes and Stage Design: Youliana Vojkova-Najman, Music: Memli Kelmendi, Assistant Director: Flutura Çelaj, Stage Manager: Bajram Mehmetaj, Lighting: Sherif Salihu dhe Mursel Bekteshi, AV: Arben Aliu, Stage Organiser: Aziz Maloku. This play is dedicated to Mr. Istref Begolli, iconic actor of the National Theatre.

The show “TROJANS”

25.05.2018

From August 28 to September 10, 2017, the artists of the La MaMa Theater in partnership with the Artpolis Center, in the Oda theater in Pristina and in the artistic village Kukaj focused on raising new capacities of artists and artists in the exploration of sound , music and gestures, as well as using lyrics from La MaMa’s famous 1974 production “TROJANET”.

About La Mama:

La Mama experimental theater is dedicated to all artists everywhere in the world. The theater was founded in 1961 by Ellen Stewart, while it is traditionally known as the theater of all world’s cultures. La Mama has presented more than 150,000 artists from around the world in hundreds of different countries. Every year, La Mama theater presents over 80 productions, while it is visited by 34,000 visitors of all ages. This theater supports every individual who creates art by giving you promotion opportunities and financial support.

The show “TROJANS” produced by Zana Hoxha is based on an ancient Greek drama that fosters a favorable environment to nurture and strengthen relations between communities. It combines the life and struggle between ancient and  modern times, reflecting suffering, love, life, well-being, solidarity and cooperation. This play is based on the 2500 year old drama “Trojans” and its themes of war, displacement, violence against women, children and genocide.

The function of theater for centuries has been to find a common reason and sense of humanity to create a better world. Her staging is unique in the way actors and audience interact. The power of this special show has been proven in presentations over the past 40 years and in more than 30 nations.

“Trojans” is unique because it uses a combination of workshops, rehearsals, presentations, dialogue and community awareness.

The participation of 30 artists and activists results in a common conversation of the language of peace, love and solidarity that serves as a guide for future generations of artists and cultural activists.

Participants experiment with sound reinforcement methods and the use of pure voice during this program. Students experiment with gestures and body language. The artist(s) studies(y) the music and add songs, stories and movements from their personal experiences to the material. The partnership will be in the form of an ensemble. A conversation area will be provided about the production process, the show’s themes and connections to our daily lives.