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This is not a dance

Nastaran Razawi Khorasani / Theater Rotterdam i.s.m. De Coproducers
Tue 17 Oct ’23 - Wed 30 Oct ’24
How to dance when dancing is banned?
Tue 17 Oct ’23
-
Wed 30 Oct ’24

In Iran, dancing has been officially prohibited since the start of the Islamitic Revolution. All dance companies have been forced to cease their activities. Many dancers and choreographers have fled abroad. Those who still live there have to be very resourceful. How are they keeping their art form alive?

Theatre maker Nastaran Razawi Khorasani presents This is not a dance, a dance performance that deals with censorship. What can be shown, what must remain hidden? As the music and lights build towards a frenzy, Nastaran attempts to keep her dancing body in check. 

In This is not a dance, Nastaran brings the voices of choreographers and dancers living in Iran to the stage. How are they dealing with the ban on dance? How do they practice their profession, what dangers do they face, what freedoms are they fighting for? This is not a dance is a tribute to the body that wants to move. A tribute to art that simply must be made, in whatever way, shape or form.  

فارسی (text in Farsi)

Reviews

"A remarkable, paradoxical ode to the dancing body."★★★★ NRC

“This is not a dance forces you to consider the foundations of dance, in definition and effect. Nastaran Razawi Khorasani delivers a powerful, moving performance that will continue to resonate for a long time.” Theaterkrant, Critic's choice

"The power and vulnerability of Khorasani's stage presence suggest that this will be a tribute you want to be part of.” Groene Amsterdammer

  • Spoken language: Farsi
  • Including surtitles in English, Farsi and Dutch
  • Includes stroboscopic lights 
  • Run time: 60 min

Credits

conceived, directed and performed by Nastaran Razawi Khorasani scenographer and videographer Peter van Til (BrotherTill) composer Joost Maaskant percussion (Tombak and Daf) Farid Sheek lighting designer Minna Tiikkainen coach Suzan Boogaerdt costume designer Rebekka Wörmann technical producer Peter Leeuwenburgh technicians Hein van Leeuwen, Jimmy Niesen marketing Dieke van der Spek, Odair Nascimento education Anne Sollie, Senna Pauli campaign image Sanja Marušić stand-in rehearsals Lotte van Delft, Jahcysha Boschman bookings Alles voor de Kunsten production management Theater Rotterdam coproducers Kobe, De Coproducers (supported by FONDS 21 EXTRA)

Many thanks to all those who have shared their stories.  

 

About the maker

Theatre maker Nastaran Razawi Khorasani presents This is not a dance, a dance performance that deals with censorship. What can be shown, what must remain hidden? As the music and lights build towards a frenzy, Nastaran attempts to keep her dancing body in check. 

In This is not a dance, Nastaran brings the voices of choreographers and dancers living in Iran to the stage. How are they dealing with the ban on dance? How do they practice their profession, what dangers do they face, what freedoms are they fighting for? This is not a dance is a tribute to the body that wants to move. A tribute to art that simply must be made, in whatever way, shape or form.  

 

The press and others about Songs for no one


‘Nastaran Razawi Khorasani is one of the fastest developing performing artists in the Netherlands. Her greatest strength is her versatility.’ - The Advisory Committee of the Gieskes-Strijbis Podium Prize

'When she sings, dances and raps, the bizarre reality becomes palpable of a country behind closed blinds where betrayal, obstructions and secret services may infect children’s lives, but not their dreams.' ★★★★ De Volkskrant 

'Her interviewing technique is exemplary: she never puts words into the children’s mouths, keeps her questions casual and to the point, and comes up with excellent follow-up questions.’ ★★★★ NRC

'In Songs for no one, Razawi Khorasani showcases her qualities as a theatre maker, performer and also as an interviewer.' Judging panel of the BNG Bank Theaterprijs 2021