Room
Performance (20 min) Mostafa Shabkhan

Each person has a room that is a safe and tranquil place for them, a place that seems to reflect
their solitude and serenity. This room can represent a real home or even an album of memories
for each individual. It’s a space where one can distance themselves from the perspectives of
others and the everyday stresses, and connect with their inner selves.

ZOORKHANEH
Performance (30 min) Mostafa Shabkhan

Literally translated as “House of Strength”, ZOORKHANEH is a traditional, all-men gymnasium where PAHLEVANS (athletes/heroes) do ancient sports in their unified tight pants called TONOKEH. There is a sunken 1m-deep circular (or octagonal) pit in the center of the ZOORKHANEH called GAUD where the activities happen. There are tools used for weight training and calisthenics, such as wooden clubs (MIL), bow-shaped iron weights (KABBADEH), metal shields (SANG), push-up plates (TAKHTEH SHENA), and the bell (ZANG). Its history goes back to 132 BC and has its roots in ancient Iranian myths where warriors and heroism are often expressed. This performance is inspired by movements and gestures that are pivotal in the ZOORKHANEH as well as whispers and chants in the dagger dance of TORKAMAN SAHRA; a dance just for men which moves in a circle. I explore how these notions affect me as a contemporary mover.
On the other hand, based on life experiences and concerns, I’ve come to the idea that these rooms can be seen as points of the most hidden realities and personal desires. In this project, I aim to create a virtual and engaging room with the help of participants, reflecting their choices and decisions in different environments within this room. Through this project, individuals are sufficiently free to define themselves in this hypothetical environment and make their decisions. They can also, like a window, look into the rooms of Others. This idea, which has been of interest to me from the past until now, continues to evolve and change, taking on different forms and shapes according to the needs and circumstances of individuals.

The Window
Kurzfilm (5:31 min) by Mostafa Shabkhan

“A wind was blowing And I was placed in a sketch And I appeared in the pitch darkness of my room. For whom was I appearing?” Sohrab Sepehri
The initial idea for This video originated from seeing a few photos taken by Mani (the project’s filmmaker and photographer), who spoke to me about the space of those photos and their stories. It was decided that I would visit the location, do some exploration there, and take some shots, and then it was planned that one day I would dance there based on my personal feelings about the space, while Mani would film. Then I handed the rushes over to an editor who, based on their interpretation, I wasn’t satisfied with the initial edit. I then told another person, but again it didn’t meet my expectations. Until it reached Anoushirvan and his friend, and the work was edited and sound-designed by him, leading to this output. In fact, this project was a collaboration for me with three people and maybe with three different perspectives that sometimes converged and sometimes diverged. It includes the space of that ruined house, my dancing, and our conversations and images together.

BIO
Mostafa Shabkhan

Mostafa Shabkhan is an Iranian dancer, choreographer, and actor, with expertise in theatrical teaching spanning acting, dancing, and directing. He received training in Tehran under the tutelage of various Iranian and international instructors, and he has participated in numerous movement and choreography courses and residencies across Europe and the Middle East.
Starting his career as a theater actor in his hometown of Kashan in 1995, Mostafa relocated to Tehran in 2006 to delve into physical theater and contemporary dance techniques. Since 2009, he has been actively involved in teaching within this realm, alongside his work as a mentor in devising games and performances for children. In 2014, Mostafa co-founded “MaHa Dance Projects”, an independent performing arts collective.
Awards and Nominations:
– Nominated for Best Male Actor for “Othello” in the international critic section of the Fajr Theatre Festival in 2010.
– Received a Special Mention for “RELUCTANT” at “Il Teatro Nudo” di Teresa Pomodoro, judged by Eugenio Barba et al, Milan, in 2018.
– Nominated for Best Male Performer for “I Put A Spell On You” at the Fajr International Theater Festival in 2019.
– Nominated for Best Choreography for “named” at the Fajr International Theater Festival in 2019.
Mostafa is deeply passionate about researching indigenous culture, architecture, rituals, occupations, Iranian social life, and their influence on the body and movement. Currently, he has been leading several workshops, research, and projects in his dance studio for four years.

Image credits: Ezzat Ismail Ezzat