Nazri

Nazri is an intercultural hybrid performance conceptualised and composed by award-winning composer Dr Shervin Mirzeinali and funded by Creative Australia & City of Sydney.

This captivating production brings together music, dance, and the ancient Persian tradition of communal giving, transforming it into a mesmerising and deeply moving artistic experience.

At the heart of Nazri lies the ritual where cooking food transcends sustenance, becoming an expression of compassion, unity, and shared humanity.

Dr Elnaz Sheshgelani, an accomplished Iranian contemporary dancer, draws inspiration from traditional Persian dance to reimagine the ritual for the modern stage. She uses the chador (Iranian veil) and everyday cooking utensils – trays, skimmers, colanders, and beans – as poetic tools of storytelling. Her dynamic choreography embodies the essence of the ritual, seamlessly blending grace, strength, and innovation.

Adding depth to the performance are three virtuoso percussionists, each representing a distinct cultural tradition:

• Maharshi Raval (Tabla)

• Sohrab Kolahdooz (Tombak)

• Niki Johnson (Cymbals & Bass Drum)

Together, they transform everyday cooking utensils into new sound objects, innovatively integrating their unique techniques and cultural influences. The result is a vibrant soundscape that captures the essence of Nazri (the ritual) – from the rhythmic clinking of pots to the sizzle of cooking food and the murmured voices of a community united in ritual. Their collaboration weaves together diverse cultural roots, creating a harmonious exploration of sound.