Bashar Murkus' hypervisual and sensual theatre based on oral traditions
Hyper-visual and sensual theatre based on oral traditions. Palestinian director Bashar Murkus’ pioneering approach is bursting with physicality, stunning visuals and challenging interpretations of canonical texts. With this new work, which will premiere during the CARTA festival, Murkus ventures into the renowned Arabic epic byBanī Hilāl. A mix of concert, visual performance, theatre and dance. A carnival with seven performers: think live electronic music, dance, large puppets, shadow plays and changing backgrounds created by light and colour.
The epic, and the versions of it that have been passed down orally, has been on the UNESCO list of immaterial heritage since 2008. Poets have been singing about the migration of the Banī Hilāl tribe from Nadjd in Saudi Arabia to Tunisia since the 14th century. It is also the story of Abu Zayd al-Hilali, who was ostracised as a child for his dark skin, but rose from being a refugee to become the most legendary Arab leader. Like Murkus’ previous work, Al sirah al hilaliyyahis the result of extensive research and intensive collaborations with actors, researchers, designers and musicians. Judge for yourself how his Kashabi ensemble reinvents traditional theatre in a grand performance filled with music, images and poetry.