Photo credits: Sylvie Bouchard, Tom Brouillette and Sashar Zarif. Photo: John Lauener.
Experience the World Premiere of
"Dancing on the Roof of Heaven" A Spring Tribute
by Sashar Zarif
Presented by Aga Khan Museum
Saturday, March 23, 2024, 8 pm
Sunday, March 24, 2024, 5 pm
(FREE Artist Talk | 3:30 pm)
Box Office: agakhanmuseum.org/roofofheaven
Tickets include same-day Museum admission.
As Sashar Zarif embarks on the 30th year of his dance journey, join us to experience the World Premiere of "Dancing on the Roof of Heaven," the latest creation by this visionary choreographer, educator, and researcher, presented by Aga Khan Museum. This enchanting work draws breath and spirit from the ancient fourfold elemental ritual celebrated on the Eves of the last four Wednesdays of winter—water, fire, air, and earth Wednesdays, serving as an embodied welcome for the rejuvenating energies of the spring equinox, Norouz. In this profound exploration,
Zarif delves into the mysteries of how the four elements intertwine with the tapestry of human existence—mind, emotion, body, and soul. This multidisciplinary odyssey merges dancers and musicians in a harmonious confluence, creating a symphony of movements and sounds. As they move and play, they weave a narrative that transcends the ordinary, inviting the audience on a journey that is both captivating and transformative. Here, in the fluidity of dance and the melody of music, lies a profound exploration of life's essence, a dialogue between the elemental and the ethereal, resonating with the rhythms of the heart and the whispers of the spirit. The result is a unique fusion of the wisdom of ancient traditions and contemporary dance art.
"Dancing on the Roof of Heaven" is presented in the contemporary style of Mugham, an integrated practice developed by Zarif that blends dance, music, and storytelling, inspired and informed by the Sufi and Shamanic rituals of Muslim societies.
Zarif will be joined by a diverse, multi-generational cast that spans a remarkable six decades. This includes seasoned dance artists Tom Brouillette and Sylvie Bouchard, the esteemed Music Master Kazim Boran, along with Sashar Zarif Dance Theatre's vibrant Kathia Wittenborn and Sully Malaeb Proulx. Adding to the creative depth are Katherine Duncanson, serving as the creative facilitator, and lighting designer Gabriel Cropley.
The event premieres a film crafted from archival footage by acclaimed film director Imran Babur, celebrating the influential body of work of Sashar Zarif and his 30 years in dance.
Dancing on the Roof of Heaven is generously supported by Canada Council for the Arts and Toronto Arts Council.
Ticket Information: Tickets are available for purchase online at the Aga Khan Museum website. Limited rush tickets will be available on the day of the performance.
Media Contact: [email protected]
