compani javedani
www.javedani.com

compani javedani, created by Artistic Director Sahar Javedani, presents a beautiful theatrical tapestry weaving the elegance of Persian classical motifs with American contemporary dance. Heartbreakingly stunning, caustic, and hilarious, Javedani’s work explores the assimilation between her two cultures of Iran and America. Often described as “Akram Khan meets Pina Bausch,” compani javedani’s performances are phantasmagorical feasts exploring human interdependence.

In addition to performances, Sahar Javedani specializes in creative residencies for children, youth, and adults. With over ten years of experience, Javedani has created custom curriculums in World Dance and yoga for public schools. Ranging from two to sixteen weeks, the residencies culminate in community performances. The World Dance component includes Brazilian Capoeira, Latin American Salsa, Merengue, and Tango, South Indian Bharatanatyam, North Indian Kathak and Bhangra, Spanish Flamenco, West African Dance, and Classical Persian and Middle-Eastern Belly Dance.

“Sahar Javedani, an Iranian-American artist, explored alienation and stereotypes… full of wit in her satirical look at assimilation.” - Gia Kourlas, New York Times

Touring Programs
Tours with 3–15 performers

From Persia, with Measured Love (Ketab : Yek)
A dance theater work stationed at the base of Damavand Mountain, a dormant volcano near the Caspian Sea. This region possesses a very important place in Iranian mythology and folklore. This work follows a small community of villagers and their crunchy encounters with Western culture. Educational and family-friendly this piece also incorporates Middle-Eastern Belly Dance.

in the Middle, somewhat aggravated
Sahar Javedani explores and defines her journey of assimilation as an Iranian-American. This piece includes audience interaction, karaoke and video projection.

Gardens (with live music)
Taking place during the time of Eve, this work explores theories of interdependence and collective consciousness and weaves gorgeous set and costumes with intricate movement and theatricality.

add : infinitum
A piece that investigates the sojourn of individuation explored by Joseph Campbell’s work The Hero’s Journey. Educational yet raw and expressive, it explores thresholds and boundaries to find their center.

On the Alchemy of Love
Set in a restaurant’s kitchen, the audience follows an ensemble of chefs as they fall in love with each other only to reveal their own selfish competitive desires to be top chef. This piece is hilarious, heartbreaking and vibrant. A complex inspiration between food and love.

Water, Tiles, and Mirrored Veils
Visually stunning and rich with motifs, this dance theater work takes place between Tehran and Isfahan following ten Iranian young women as they conquer their respective rites of passage.

and when I go to market… (with live music and required audience participation)
Raucous and joyful, this piece follows a group of widowed women waiting for a young prince to come to town and concludes with a wedding.

Repertoire
In the Valley of Damavand – Features the adventures of Iranian mythological characters Karkadann, Daeva, and Peri.
Dreams of a Caspian Rain – A small group of women gathers to summon heavy rains to wash loved ones back to the Caspian shore.
Maahinen Neito – Inspired by Finnish pop group Varttina’s song, reveals the beautiful torture of love lost and self found.
Az Dehlam – Follows an Iranian woman as she grieves the loss of a loved one and explores self-flagellation and emotional abuse.
Tahirih – Reveals the story of a female Iranian martyr who challenged the wearing of the veil. An uncompromising and vivid examination of the fight for women’s emancipation in Iran.
Oil and Vignettes – Explores six stages of love from infatuation to self-actualization.