While history may not be the most captivating subject for students in school, its significance in our lives cannot be overlooked. Our past shapes our present, which in turn influences our future. It is through the stories of those who came before us that we forge our identity, reinforcing our connection to specific communities and cultures. However, interest in heritage and culture is waning due to the rapid advancement of technology and the fast-paced nature of modern life. To address this, Samaneh Mojaveri conceived a distinctive concept that blends performing arts with storytelling from various cultures, primarily Farsi, Arabic, and Indian traditions. This idea led to the creation of RUMInation, a musical-dance ensemble spearheaded by Khalil Sheikh, a renowned dutar and tanbur maestro from Khorasan, Iran.
Mojaveri, also a yoga and meditation instructor, serves as the producer and presenter of the shows, which integrate elements of poetry and nomadic tales with the musical and dance forms of the region. Sheikh, the backbone of the venture, has been instrumental in popularizing Iran's Maghami music globally and is a prominent figure in the region's ballad scene. Together with Dubai-based Kathak exponent Swarashri Shridhar, oud artiste Hooman Shirali, and tabla player Sandu, they established RUMInation. The essence of their performances lies in the folktales and poems passed down through generations, providing a unique cultural identity.
Sheikh, hailing from Rumi's hometown, leverages his familiarity with Sufi culture to eloquently portray Sufi poetry and philosophy. His concerts, often hosted at the 360° Theatre of Digital Arts (TODA) in Madinat Jumeirah, aim to connect people through music. During one such performance, the ensemble traced Ibn Batuta's journey along the Silk Road, featuring musicians from five countries he visited and a dervish dancer who brought the show to a climax with her whirling. The 360° venue at TODA enhances the immersive experience, projecting settings that reflect the specific themes of the performances.
While global fusion in arts is not new, what sets RUMInation apart is its unique blend of poetry, storytelling, authentic music, and dance, all presented in a two-hour format. Mojaveri believes that all cultures share common roots and philosophies, making it exciting to weave these together through storytelling. Folk music, she notes, endures unlike other fleeting genres, resonating with listeners across generations. Her interest in Eastern music and desire to incorporate folk elements that tell tales led her to Sheikh.
Most of RUMInation's concerts are improvised on stage, a challenge that has taught Shridhar to live in the moment and dance spontaneously. This improvisation pushes the artists to their best, resulting in unique performances that cannot be recreated. Shridhar credits Sheikh's soulful melodies on the dutar and Sandu's tabla playing for inspiring her spontaneity and narrative exploration. Sandu reflects on how his musical journey with RUMInation has facilitated introspection and emotional exploration.
Sheikh asserts that there is an audience for this kind of improvised confluence of music and dance, as people seek their roots through traditional and folk music. Mojaveri adds that the simplicity and originality of folk traditions attract audiences, often through word of mouth rather than advertising. RUMInation's ensemble is now preparing for a show celebrating Rumi's 817th birthday on September 29, their third performance based on the Sufi saint's writings.
