Outsiders knew Persia as Persia until 1935, when it became known as Iran. Two thousand years ago, Persia stretched from the Mediterranean Sea to the Indus River. The complicated and conflict-laden history of humans in the region stretches back before the Neolithic period, during which people began to domesticate animals and develop agriculture. Later came pottery, poetry and music and seafaring.
In his new dance work titled “Stay the Hand,” La Jolla-raised choreographer John Malashock collaborates with composer/sound designer Shahrokh Yadegari, who grew up Jewish in Iran. Yadegari once said in an interview that his work is about connecting opposites to one another, a phrase that could be used to describe Malashock’s recent work as well. Yadegari holds a Ph.D. in music from University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and is currently a progressive sound designer in UCSD’s MFA program.
“Stay the Hand” embraces Persian music, poetry and imagery. Siamak Shajarian, perhaps the best-known Persian singer living in the U.S., laid some of the vocals down and Yadegari’s instrumentation includes oud, lila (a computer music instrument), violin and tabla.
Recited by Parvin Javadi, the Persian poetry reveals the language to be soft and musical falling on this unaccustomed ear, akin to French or Portuguese. An English translation is printed in the program. Ladegari’s recorded music/sound design surrounds the listener, fully utilizing the capabilities of the North Park Theatre. Nicole Black’s scenic design suggests two immense sails.
Anchored by sandbags, they are repositioned between the work’s ten sections and beautifully lighted by Jennifer Setlow. The eight dancers wear evocative costumes by Jeanne Reith.
Because it lacks the distinct narrative that informs much of Malashock’s recent work, “Stay the Hand” could become same and more of the same; however, each section, separated by poetry, varies in orchestration and style ” some is all percussion, some all strings, some all vocal. Malashock’s subtle imagery evokes love, conflict, sorrow and joy, the veritable stuff of life that encompasses all cultures and hopefully unites us in art, emotion and humanity.
Well-known Malashock dancers Bradley Lundberg and Michael Mizerani powerfully anchor the company at all times and perform a marvelous 11th-hour pas de deux titled “Push.” The work also gets a lift from the introduction of Eduardo Larios Cueto, who possesses affecting expressivity. He has danced principal roles with Los Angeles Classical Ballet and since 2005 has been principal dancer at Ballet Santa Barbara. Lovely Jillian Chu is frequently aloft to dazzling effect. Malashock, Christine Marshall, Jessica Reed and Lara Segura complete the impressive company, which is never less than interesting, frequently mesmerizing and absolutely thrilling in the precision of unified movement.
The world premiere of “Stay the Hand” continues at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 11 and 12, and 3 p.m. Sunday, April 13, at Birch North Park Theatre, 2891 University Ave. For tickets ($24-$36) and information, visit www.malashockdance.org or call (619) 260-1622 or (619) 239-8836.
