Additional Information
Before the Taliban, before the Americans, before the Soviets, there was an Afghanistan that dared to think about a future of nightlife, cinema, music and peace. Like Eagles (or Mānand-e ‘Oqāb in its original title) is believed to be the very first film shot in Afghanistan, in 1964. In a surprisingly symbolic and modern production, it follows a young girl who sets off from the countryside to attend national celebrations in Kabul, the “city”.
It was from this film that Afghan-Canadian author and comedian Shaista Latif came up with the idea of offering a reflection on these broken promises, and above all on our own relationship with modernity, identity and nationalism. With the help of Montreal composer Sam Shalabi, the film in question becomes the subject of a total spectacle in which text, music and image are turned upside down in their discursive relationships. I met the two artists, as well as Isak Goldschneider, clarinettist and co-organiser (with Le Vivier) of the evening thanks to Innovations en concert, which he directs. Together they tell us all about this totally unusual adventure, which promises to be a great evening for the curious.
On stage :
LAND OF KUSH ENSEMBLE
ADRIANNE MUNDEN-DIXON (violin)
ISAK GOLDSCHNEIDER (clarinet)
GEN HEISTEK (viola)
MARK MOLNAR (cello)
OSAMA SHALABI (oud and electric guitar)
SHAISTA LATIF (comedian and librettist)
