Desert Equations: Azax/Attra (1986)

Performers: Sussan Deyhim & Richard Horowitz
Producers: Sussan Deyhim & Richard Horowitz
Album Released by: Crammed Discs

Sussan Deyhim (1958 – ) is an Iranian American composer, vocalist, performance artist and activist. Deyhim is internationally acclaimed for creating a unique sonic and vocal language imbued with a sense of ritual and the unknown, encompassing music, theatre, dance, media and film. Deyhim’s career began as an intern at the Festival of Arts, Shiraz-Persepolis and training with the Iranian National Ballet Company before joining the Bejart Ballet School, Mudra. Deyhim’s early iconic work Desert Equations: Azax/Attra combines her sublime voice and solo performance and the electronic wizardry of US composer Horowitz, wonderfully blending the duo’s multiple sources, including their experiences at the epicentre of New York’s early ‘80s avantgarde music and theatre scene. The haunting and futuristic Azax/Attra album prompted writer Paul Bowles to wonder: “Was this composed under the influence of Majoun?”. It led to a series of music/theatre performances including Desert Equations: Azax/Attra at New York’s important experimental La MaMa Theatre. In 2010, the LA Times critic Mark Swed called Deyhim “one of Iran’s most potent voices in exile for the simple reason that she possesses a marvellously potent voice.” 

THIS FILM IS AVAILABLE ON DEMAND

Admission to this online event is Free / Pay What You Wish. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. You will receive a link to view the film after registering online.

This event is part of Beyond Borders: The Shiraz Festival

Major support for BEYOND BORDERS has been provided by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage. Presented in collaboration with Slought.