Mem û Zîn is a Kurdish love story interwoven with mythological elements. It has been recited by various singers and storytellers for centuries. As a result, there are dozens of versions of this epic. It traces its origins back to the book *Mem Alan*. The best-known version, by the famous Kurdish poet Ahmed Khani, was written in the 17th century and offers an original interpretation. The version used in this play is based on the recording by the famous singer Reso, which has survived to this day. The story deals with betrayal, courage, hospitality, malice and injustice, all revolving around the great and impossible love of Mem and Zin. Yet the greatest love is that told by the hand.

A story told through the language of rituals and legends

Directed by Mirza Metin, the play is performed with a minimalist aesthetic. It is conceived not as a classical play, but as a ritual. The piece attempts to bring the unconscious elements of the legend to light through metaphors and to create a magical ceremony on stage. Drums, grain and stage lighting, controlled by the actors, serve the rhythm and visual language of this ceremony. The drumsticks are used as masks during the ceremony. Traditional Kurdish dances generate an ecstatic energy amongst the actors and transform the performance into a ritual narrative.

By employing the vocal techniques of the dengbêj and shepherds, the production seeks to look beyond the surface meaning of the words. Choirs lend the piece an ancient atmosphere.

The central question of the work on ‘Mem û Zîn’ is: How can traditional narrative forms such as epics, fairy tales, kılams, strans, etc. be staged in a contemporary and original way without rewriting them as a modern play?

The play is performed in Kurdish with German surtitles.

Source: Dengbêj Reso Concept, direction, lighting design: Mîrza Metîn Cast: Pelda Bal, Kenan Demir, Roni Dildar Dramaturg/Assistant Director: Zelal Angay Choreography/Movement Direction: Arjen Brûsk Photographers: Bariş Evîz, Khaled Saeidpour Assistant: Robîn Ozel

Funded by the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia. read less