Mohsen Namjoo : ZAR

Zār refers to a type of spirit/wind (ruh/rih/bād), the affliction it causes, and the ritual by which the malady is assuaged. It is local to the Southern coastal regions of Iran but has its origins in Africa. The healing rituals are led by MamaZārs and BabaZārs who sing in a mixture of Persian, Arabic, and Swahili accompanied by different types of drums. Inspired by these rituals, Mohsen Namjoo is producing an original composition to be performed for the first time in the outdoor foyer of McMurtry Art Building at Stanford on November 4th, 2016.