Shohreh Shakoory: Women Make Music
Zal and Phoenix: Persian tale for orchestra, narrator, animation
Zal and The Phoenix, a theatrical children’s production by Kent-based Iranian composer Shohreh Shakoory, is based on the Persian epic Shahnameh. The first setting of the Zal and Phoenix story by a female Iranian composer, Zal combines storytelling, animation, and live orchestra with traditional Iranian instruments, this work explores themes of diversity, loss, hope, love and forgiveness.
Each performance will include children’s workshops, a family-friendly lecture by an associated academic, and an exhibition space for Iranian craftspeople, musicians, artists, and food.
The Zal team will also deliver workshops with their partners BIPS (British Institute for Persian Studies), CSPS (Cambridge Shanameh Centre for Persian Studies), Kent Sinfonia, Shiva Nova/Women of the World/Equator Festival/DAN (Diversity Arts Network) and York Islamic Art Circle in schools, and the project will help to build a positive and immersive experience of Persian culture for those with little exposure to the culture and traditions of the Middle East.
Shohreh Shakoory, an Iranian Composer/Pianist based in Kent, grew up in Iran and moved to the UK in 1993. Her career as a composer, pianist, and accompanist has included recitals at several venues as well as numerous festivals in the UK, Belgium, France and Iran. Shohreh has been working on ‘Zal and the Phoenix’ since 2017.
Project teaser film: Click here