Synopsis

LOVE IN THE MIDST opens with a deep blue projection of Earth in space with the voice of Coleman Barks reciting Rumi’s poem, “This we have now is not imagination… ” Light rises, Zuleikha, with musicians, begins the storydance of Love in the midst of chaos, where mother nature instructs us to feed each other so that harmony and kindness walk the earth always. The journey travels on to the story of Rumi by Parisa Soultani, flowing into the music of the Indian esraj by Benji Wertheimer, and introducing the story and poetry of the Kashmiri mystic poetess, Lalla, recited by Bark’s voice, spoken and danced by Zuleikha, with original music by Glen Velez on frame drums and cellist, Eugene Friesen. Artistic landscapes carry the performance by Mystic Consortium into ancient stories and poetry, punctuated by electrifying music solos by these virtuoso artists and ecstatic singing by Parisa. Zuleikha brings the tapestry to a close with mesmerizing whirling against a moving starry night sky. After accolades, Zuleikha leads audience in singing an inspirational and original composition of a Rumi poem, accompanied by members of Mystic Consortium.