Transcendence- Charkh e Falak (turning of the cosmos)

A dance installation in honour of Nowruz (New Day), a celebration of the Spring equinox observed by people across the Middle East and Central Asia. This piece honours the ancient Zoroastrian sun deity, Mithra. It is a celebration of the sun’s passage across the celestial equator, equalising night and day, the alignment of the cosmos, and constant turning towards center. The Farsi word falak describes the cosmos, the universe, and one’s fate and destiny. Transcendence weaves together music, dance and ritual elements from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran and Turkey. The circular shape of the dafs (frame drums the dancers hold) evoke the image of the sun, moon, and planets. The dafs symbolize the cyclical nature of life that connects us with the infinite universe. The installation features a traditional Iranian haft seen (the ritual alter built in homes during the time of Nowruz,) Anahita, the ancient Persian goddess of water, Mithra (god/goddess) of the Sun, and a full cast of dancers part