Latest news with #Muse
NDTV
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
How Rock Music Drew Young Iranian Audience To Shakespear's 'King Lear'
Tehran: An Iranian director is breathing new life into William Shakespeare's "King Lear" with a bold staging in Tehran infused with rock music and a dazzling light show to attract younger audiences. In Iran, artists, writers, filmmakers, musicians and playwrights must walk a tightrope to avoid censorship of content the authorities deem inappropriate. But despite political tensions between Tehran and the West, many international works still make it to the Iranian stage. Now well-known actress Elika Abdolrazzaghi has taken on the challenge of reimagining "King Lear" for a contemporary audience. "If I had staged the original version, it would have been too heavy for people -- they would have been bored," the 45-year-old told AFP. To inject energy into the performance, Ms Abdolrazzaghi has incorporated music from British rock band Muse and German industrial metal group Rammstein. Vivid costumes and sparkling lights lend the production a festive atmosphere, despite the play's dark core. First published in the early 17th century, "King Lear" tells the story of a crumbling monarchy and a family torn apart by betrayal, power struggles and hunger for the throne. An ageing and weary Lear decides to divide his kingdom between his three daughters, based on how well they flatter him in public. 'No Estrictions' Naive and prideful, Lear disowns Cordelia, his youngest daughter, who refuses to join the charade. "I transformed many word-heavy sections of the play into movement, imagery, music and dance," Ms Abdolrazzaghi said. The actors wear richly detailed costumes in bold reds, greens and yellows, inspired by classic fashions from the 17th century. Reza Yazdani, a household name in Iran's rock scene, performs the Persian-language songs live on stage. The production has struck a chord with theatregoers. "We didn't think we could sit through a two-hour play," Mr Amin, a 32-year-old engineer, told AFP. "But it was really good -- from the actors' performances to the music and set design," he said after going to the play with his wife, Ms Elham. With a company of around 100 people, including several dozen actors, Ms Abdolrazzaghi and her team spent several months preparing the show. "In Iran there are many women directing theatre, but few are well known," she said. Ms Abdolrazzaghi, who has performed in works by Bertolt Brecht, Friedrich Durrenmatt from Switzerland and France's Yasmina Reza, says the Iranian authorities impose "no restrictions" on staging foreign plays. 'A More Just World' "Theatre is essentially a Western phenomenon and remains a young art form in Iran," said Ms Abdolrazzaghi. Ahmad Saatchian, the lead actor and a stage veteran with two decades of experience, calls Lear "the greatest role" of his career. "Portraying one of the most important characters in literary history is a rare opportunity for an actor," he said. Tragedies such as "King Lear" are "universal and resonate with people around the world -- that's why Shakespeare remains timeless," he added. In recent years, many of Shakespeare's works have been performed in Iran. "Countries that have experienced similar political dynamics -- like Iran or those in Eastern Europe -- tend to connect deeply with Shakespeare's work," said Mr Saatchian. In the final act, Lear, broken by betrayal, regains clarity before his death. "In one scene, Lear calls on those in power to expose themselves to the suffering of the poor in order to build a more just world," Mr Saatchian said. "That's a message that resonates everywhere."
eNCA
a day ago
- Entertainment
- eNCA
Rocking 'King Lear' to draw young audience in Iran
TEHRAN - An Iranian director is breathing new life into William Shakespeare's "King Lear" with a bold staging in Tehran infused with rock music and a dazzling light show to attract younger audiences. In Iran, artists, writers, filmmakers, musicians and playwrights must walk a tightrope to avoid censorship of content the authorities deem inappropriate. But despite political tensions between Tehran and the West, many international works still make it to the Iranian stage. Now well-known actress Elika Abdolrazzaghi has taken on the challenge of reimagining "King Lear" for a contemporary audience. "If I had staged the original version, it would have been too heavy for people -- they would have been bored," the 45-year-old told AFP. To inject energy into the performance, Abdolrazzaghi has incorporated music from British rock band Muse and German industrial metal group Rammstein. Vivid costumes and sparkling lights lend the production a festive atmosphere, despite the play's dark core. First published in the early 17th century, "King Lear" tells the story of a crumbling monarchy and a family torn apart by betrayal, power struggles and hunger for the throne. An ageing and weary Lear decides to divide his kingdom between his three daughters, based on how well they flatter him in public. - 'No restrictions ' - AFP | ATTA KENARE Naive and prideful, Lear disowns Cordelia, his youngest daughter, who refuses to join the charade. "I transformed many word-heavy sections of the play into movement, imagery, music and dance," Abdolrazzaghi said. The actors wear richly detailed costumes in bold reds, greens and yellows, inspired by classic fashions from the 17th century. Reza Yazdani, a household name in Iran's rock scene, performs the Persian-language songs live on stage. The production has struck a chord with theatregoers. "We didn't think we could sit through a two-hour play," Amin, a 32-year-old engineer, told AFP. "But it was really good -- from the actors' performances to the music and set design," he said after going to the play with his wife, Elham. With a company of around 100 people, including several dozen actors, Abdolrazzaghi and her team spent several months preparing the show. "In Iran, there are many women directing theatre, but few are well known," she said. Abdolrazzaghi, who has performed in works by Bertolt Brecht, Friedrich Durrenmatt from Switzerland and France's Yasmina Reza, says the Iranian authorities impose "no restrictions" on staging foreign plays. - 'A more just world' - "Theatre is essentially a Western phenomenon and remains a young art form in Iran," said Abdolrazzaghi. Ahmad Saatchian, the lead actor and a stage veteran with two decades of experience, calls Lear "the greatest role" of his career. "Portraying one of the most important characters in literary history is a rare opportunity for an actor," he said. Tragedies such as "King Lear" are "universal and resonate with people around the world -- that's why Shakespeare remains timeless," he added. In recent years, many of Shakespeare's works have been performed in Iran. "Countries that have experienced similar political dynamics -- like Iran or those in Eastern Europe -- tend to connect deeply with Shakespeare's work," said Saatchian. In the final act, Lear, broken by betrayal, regains clarity before his death. "In one scene, Lear calls on those in power to expose themselves to the suffering of the poor in order to build a more just world," Saatchian said. "That's a message that resonates everywhere."
France 24
a day ago
- Entertainment
- France 24
Rocking 'King Lear' to draw young audience in Iran
In Iran, artists, writers, filmmakers, musicians and playwrights must walk a tightrope to avoid censorship of content the authorities deem inappropriate. But despite political tensions between Tehran and the West, many international works still make it to the Iranian stage. Now well-known actress Elika Abdolrazzaghi has taken on the challenge of reimagining "King Lear" for a contemporary audience. "If I had staged the original version, it would have been too heavy for people -- they would have been bored," the 45-year-old told AFP. To inject energy into the performance, Abdolrazzaghi has incorporated music from British rock band Muse and German industrial metal group Rammstein. Vivid costumes and sparkling lights lend the production a festive atmosphere, despite the play's dark core. First published in the early 17th century, "King Lear" tells the story of a crumbling monarchy and a family torn apart by betrayal, power struggles and hunger for the throne. An ageing and weary Lear decides to divide his kingdom between his three daughters, based on how well they flatter him in public. 'No restrictions' Naive and prideful, Lear disowns Cordelia, his youngest daughter, who refuses to join the charade. "I transformed many word-heavy sections of the play into movement, imagery, music and dance," Abdolrazzaghi said. The actors wear richly detailed costumes in bold reds, greens and yellows, inspired by classic fashions from the 17th century. Reza Yazdani, a household name in Iran's rock scene, performs the Persian-language songs live on stage. The production has struck a chord with theatregoers. "We didn't think we could sit through a two-hour play," Amin, a 32-year-old engineer, told AFP. "But it was really good -- from the actors' performances to the music and set design," he said after going to the play with his wife, Elham. With a company of around 100 people, including several dozen actors, Abdolrazzaghi and her team spent several months preparing the show. "In Iran there are many women directing theatre, but few are well known," she said. Abdolrazzaghi, who has performed in works by Bertolt Brecht, Friedrich Durrenmatt from Switzerland and France's Yasmina Reza, says the Iranian authorities impose "no restrictions" on staging foreign plays. 'A more just world' "Theatre is essentially a Western phenomenon and remains a young art form in Iran," said Abdolrazzaghi. Ahmad Saatchian, the lead actor and a stage veteran with two decades of experience, calls Lear "the greatest role" of his career. "Portraying one of the most important characters in literary history is a rare opportunity for an actor," he said. Tragedies such as "King Lear" are "universal and resonate with people around the world -- that's why Shakespeare remains timeless," he added. In recent years, many of Shakespeare's works have been performed in Iran. "Countries that have experienced similar political dynamics -- like Iran or those in Eastern Europe -- tend to connect deeply with Shakespeare's work," said Saatchian. In the final act, Lear, broken by betrayal, regains clarity before his death. "In one scene, Lear calls on those in power to expose themselves to the suffering of the poor in order to build a more just world," Saatchian said. "That's a message that resonates everywhere."
The Independent
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- The Independent
Raise a Glass to New South Wales: Australia's Most Exciting Wine State
From the gourmet delights of the historic Hunter Valley to the cool-climate vineyards of Orange and the 19th-century charm of Mudgee, New South Wales is the place to be for life-affirming wining and dining. And if you're flying into the state capital Sydney with Qantas, the experience begins before you even touch down on Aussie terra firma. From takeoff to touchdown On board the airline's award-winning A380, which flies from London to Sydney via Singapore, the wine list is already overflowing with sommelier-selected Aussie pours, a rotating list of top labels from regions you're about to set foot in, and a food menu that pays homage to the country's superb produce. But you're just getting started – as soon as you land in Sydney, it's easier than ever to hop between foodie hotspots across New South Wales with Qantas' domestic network and the Qantas Explorer, which makes travel both flexible and affordable. The historic Hunter Valley There are few better places to embark on a wine escapade than the Hunter Valley, Australia's oldest and most widely-renowned wine area, just a two-hour drive from Sydney. With more than 150 wineries to choose from, you could easily spend years exploring them all. Sip on semillon in the sun and taste shiraz made from some of the oldest vines in the world, or enjoy a languorous lunch surrounded by endless hills speckled with vineyards. The food isn't an afterthought in the Hunter Valley. Restaurants like Muse and Bistro Molines champion a farm-to-fork ethos, with menus that evolve with the seasons and many wines that travel from vine to glass in less than a mile. The cool-climate wines of Orange The high-altitude vineyards of Orange offer a different kind of tasting experience; the cooler climate here results in excellent Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. Daily Qantas flights from Sydney get you to Orange in just over an hour, and Oenophiles will be in their element, with cellar doors sandwiched into rolling hills and ancient volcanic soils that give the grapes their full flavour. Despite being one of the newer wine regions, Orange is making waves among Australian wine insiders. The food scene is equally impressive. Try Sister's Rock Restaurant for produce that celebrates what grows in the Wiradjuri country – the ancestral lands of the Wiradjuri people, one of the largest First Nations groups in New South Wales, whose knowledge of the land stretches back thousands of years. It's located at one of Australia's highest vineyards, Borrodell Vineyard, with glorious views of the Towac Valley and beyond. The region is also flecked with bakeries, cafes and farmers' markets that spotlight Orange's ever-evolving food scene. The rustic region of Mudgee Mudgee is just a few hours northwest of Sydney in the pretty Cudgegong River Valley and is home to more than 40 family-run cellar doors known for full-bodied reds and wines made from Italian grapes. The town is a popular weekend escape for Sydneysiders, with Qantas operating regular flights from Sydney to Mudgee in under an hour. The area offers a snapshot of the past, with lots of colonial-era architecture, gold rush history, and Aboriginal rock art sites. The food is also something to shout home about; paddock-to-plate is hot here, and restaurants like Zin House craft their menu around what's grown on-site – if they don't grow it, they don't serve it. Tuck into plates of handmade pasta laden with veggies grown a mere 50 metres away, and sip on organic and biodynamic bottles from Mudgee's award-winning winery, Lowe Family Wine Co.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Ten years since Taylor, we still can't shake it off'
A decade on from Taylor Swift taking the stage at BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend, fans say her appearance had a lasting impact on their city. About 50,000 people flooded through the gates of Earlham Park in Norwich for the festival across three days in May 2015. With songs including Shake it Off and Love Story, Swift featured on the line-up among stars including Charli xcx, Muse and Snoop Dogg. Culture and leisure development manager at Norwich City Council, Clare Hubery, said: "It really helped to raise the profile of the city for people across the country." Biffy Clyro, Natasha Bedingfield, Sam Fender, Myles Smith and Mumford and Sons are among headline acts at this year's Big Weekend in Sefton Park, Liverpool. Tickets for the festival 10 years ago sold out within 40 minutes, with 75% of them being awarded to people with a Norfolk postcode. "It was incredible, and it was so enormous," Ms Hubery said. Norwich City Council worked with BBC Radio 1 on the event, which Ms Hubery estimated took a year to plan. "For people who turn up on the day, hopefully it's all seamless and you arrive and have a lovely time, but actually it's months and months of planning," she said. "I remember having meetings with train companies to make sure everyone could get home after the event. "It was quite a massive operation really." One of the stand out performers of the weekend was Swift, who took the stage on the last day of the weekend. "I was lucky enough to see her again at her Eras Tour and thought, 'wow, she was in Norwich at Earlham Park'." She also noted Snoop Dogg's appearance where he took to the stage in a personalise Norwich City FC shirt, as a particular favourite. For superfan Ellen Siegert, knowing one of her idol's had performed close to home, was "special". The 20-year-old from Hopton, Norfolk, did not attend the event in Earlham Park, however, she managed to see the global superstar on her Era's Tour last year - a night she described as a "dream come true". She said: "We joke quite a lot that nothing that big ever happens here, so when Taylor came, it was massive, massive news." Among fans, Ms Siegert caused a stir in her Era's Tour outfit made from bed sheets replicating one of Swift's own costumes. Since BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend in Norwich, Ms Hubery said more concerts have been held in Earlham Park. Craig David is performing there on 29 June. "It was the first concert on that scale, and first big music event," she said. "I think Norwich demonstrated that we can do these kinds of things well, and people turn out and get into the spirit of it." In the future, she hopes more artists will be attracted to the city. "It would be fantastic to see Taylor or anyone else back in Norwich on that level... It would be great to have a big festival there again." Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Myles Smith on his meteoric year since Big Weekend What not to miss at Radio 1's Big Weekend 2025 Classics teacher is Taylor Swift 'Mastermind' Swifty was all dressed up but had to go slow
