Ghazals

## In this talk, hear how contemporary artists and storytellers, Arsalan Akhavan and Nazli Tabatabai-Khatambakhsh, are reconceptualising the Iranian epic *Shahnameh* for contemporary audiences. *Shahnameh*, or *The Book of King*s, is an epic poem recounting the history of ancient Persia, completed at the start of the 11th century by one of the greatest Persian poets of all time, Ferdowsi. Considered the national epic of Iran and one of the most important Persian texts, *Shahnameh* is made up of more than 50,000 beautifully composed couplets recounting the heroes, quests and mythical creatures central to Persian culture. First, join Hollywood producer and cultural storyteller Arsalan Akhavan on a personal journey of discovering the Persian *Book of Kings* and reimagining its epic stories for a new generation through digital media. Next, multi-award-winning writer, artist and scholar Nazli Tabatabai-Khatambakhsh will talk about her project *The Book of Queens*, a song cycle in collaboration with composer Emily Hazrati about the queens, women and magical creatures found in *The Book of Kings*, and how she has, from Ferdowsi's ink well, re-written the characters and stories of this historical epic poem through a contemporary feminist lens. The talk will conclude with a Q&A with Arsalan and Nazli. Speakers **Arsalan Akhavan** After learning of his family’s unique connection to a masterpiece edition of the *Shahnameh*, Arsalan’s life changed forever. He traded sunny California for rainy Britain to launch Rug Entertainment, a multimedia company dedicated to making Persian stories both accessible and engaging for English-speaking audiences. Arsalan’s roots in entertainment trace back to the 1950s, when his grandfather, Mostafa Akhavan, founded Cinema Moulin Rouge, Iran’s first major film studio bridging Hollywood, Cannes, and Tehran. Arslan’s recent projects include *Healing History*, an immersive art history exhibition; *The Good Iranian*, a one-man show performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe (dir. Sepy Baghaei); *Shahnameh Quest*, a storytelling podcast; and *Billion Dollar Masterpiece*, a documentary short about the *Shahnameh* of Shah Tahmasb. He previously served as Director of Scripted TV Development at Lesli Linka Glatter’s Backyard Pictures with Universal Television and worked in the TV Packaging department at Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Arsalan has also spoken on the *Shahnameh* at Cambridge University and the House of Lords. He holds a BFA in Drama from NYU Tisch School of the Arts. For more information about Arsalan, please visit the [Rug Entertainment website](https://www.rugentertainment.com/about). **Nazli Tabatabai-Khatambakhsh** Nazli Tabatabai-Khatambakhsh BSc. Hons, MLitt, MA, SFHEA is a multi-award-winning international leader and collaborator working across artistic disciplines and contexts in opera, theatre, dance, visual arts, film and performance poetry. Her credits include Royal Ballet and Opera, Welsh National Opera, Birmingham Opera, Britten Pears and Aldeburgh Festival, Oxford Song, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Atmosphere Festival, Tete a Tete, National Theatre of Scotland, Traverse Theatre, Bush Theatre and City Theater Tehran. At the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, she is Professor of Dramatic Writing on the MA in Opera Making & Writing, and she is the inaugural practice-based Post Graduate Researcher in Libretto. She is the inaugural Associate Artist at the Oxford School of Drama and is an External Examiner for the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. Her work as a coach, mentor and facilitator spans Clore Leadership, IETM and Edinburgh Performing Arts Development. For the International Society of Performing Arts (ISPA), based in New York, of which she is an Arts Council England Grad Fellow, she serves as a member of the Governance Committee. Her ever-evolving portfolio of new work and reinterpretations of existing work is infused by her country of birth, Iran, and is interwoven by the cultures she reconnects with locally across the UK and internationally across continents. For more information about Nazli, you can check out you can check out her [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/nomadicnazli/) and [Twitter](https://twitter.com/Nazli_Tabatabai) profiles. This is a free event but you need to reserve a spot. Reservation details: [https://www.lauderdalehouse.org.uk/whats-on/shahnameh-reunited](https://www.lauderdalehouse.org.uk/whats-on/shahnameh-reunited) Are you interested in reading fiction and non-fiction in French Spanish, and English? [www.meetup.com/gaia-books](https://www.meetup.com/gaia-books) [-www.meetup.com/gaia-libros](http://-www.meetup.com/gaia-libros) [-www.meetup.com/gaia-livres](http://-www.meetup.com/gaia-livres) -Instagram: @persian_culture_ -Persian Culture Whatsapp group: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/EZk35ZbJZ6W6wwyHyuxoS2](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EZk35ZbJZ6W6wwyHyuxoS2)

A regular meetup for those committed to practising and improving their Arabic. It is designed for those who know the very basics and want a structured opportunity to practise reading, listening, speaking, and building confidence. If you're still learning the very basics but want some motivation to keep going, you're very welcome to join. Note: This is a practice group facilitated by a native speaker - not a formal teacher or taught class, and not a Quran teaching session. 📚 SESSION FORMAT: ⏱️ 30 mins Intro & Social: We'll go around and introduce ourselves in Arabic. Feel free to prepare 2-3 sentences beforehand if you don't like being put on the spot! 🗣️ 60 mins Structured Practice: A focused session practising together with guidance : ◾ Taking turns reading passages aloud ◾ Listening to excerpts from an audiobook ◾ Working together to translate and understand the text 💬 Continued Socialising: Feel free to stick around afterwards for more informal chat and connection. ✊ Note: Active Muslims is equally about focusing on the actual activity, in this case, it is a practice session requiring mental engagement and active participation (and not just a social), therefore it is advised to approach and attend these events with that mindset, intention and purpose. 📍 LOCATION: Barbican ⌚ MEET: By the cafe G Level (Benugo) ⏱️ TIME: Meet from **11:00am** for intros and socialising. The practice session starts promptly at **11:30am** insha'Allah. 🎒 What to bring: 📚 Any Arabic texts you would like to read 🎧 Headphones (optional, if you prefer listening privately) ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ If you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP to free up your spot for someone on the waiting list. ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ 🌐 **[@Active.Muslims](https://www.instagram.com/active.muslims)** *(Follow for latest events updates)*

🌳 Join us for a beautiful walk in one of London's most popular romantic green spaces, Hampstead Heath ... ✊ *Note: Active Muslims is equally about focusing on the actual activity, in this case, it is a paced walk (and not a stroll), therefore it is advised to approach and attend these events with that mindset, intention and [purpose](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBhPWpdIMKq/?igsh=MWVjdnZrdGZwd3dmYw%3D%3D).* 📍 Meet: Outside **Hampstead Underground Station** (Northern line). ⌚ Meet from: 1:30pm, we start our walk at **1:45pm** sharp insha'Allah *(Magrib is 6:06pm)* 🟢 **WALK:** 📏 10km (6.2miles) 💓 Av. Pace: 5km 🏔️ Elev. Gain: 190m 🚥 [View Walking/Hiking Levels Here](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPRjEOPjW8B/) 🔄 Starts/Ends: **Hampstead Underground Station** (Northern Line) *- **not** to be confused with Hampstead Heath Overground Station.* 🚻 Toilets are available in the park. 🧎 Prayer: We can take a break for prayer in the park if time is short. 🎒 What to bring: appropriate clothing/shoes. 🗂️ "No shows" for previous events may be moved to the waitlist to prioritise reliable attendees / new joiners - ***when there is a waiting list, priority is given by attendance records / new joiners.*** 📊 [[why it matters](https://tinyurl.com/28sh83cn)] ⛑️ *Disclaimer: You are solely responsible for your own safety on these events and are also responsible for your belonging at all times.* 🌐 **[@Active.Muslims](https://www.instagram.com/active.muslims)** *(Follow for latest events updates)* 🚦 **[Walk/Hike Levels:](https://www.instagram.com/share/reel/BBxV4zomeZ)** 🟢 Easy 🟡 Average 🟠 Moderate 🔴 Challenging ⚫ Very Challenging ``` 🌳 One of London's most popular romantic green spaces. A popular place for authors and poets... Alexander Pope, John Arbuthnot, Richard Steele, and later John Keats, Percy Shelley and Leigh Hunt, were frequent visitors.. The Heath is a great semi-natural park, saved from urbanisation in the nineteenth century. It has woods, ponds, walks and fine views over London. Two of the ponds are used for outdoor swimming. On the edge of Hampstead Heath surrounded by tranquil landscaped gardens, you have Kenwood House, one of London's hidden gems (Kentwood house was also the backdrop in the movie Notting Hill). ```

**\*You will need to purchase a ticket in order to attend this event - click** [HERE](https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2026/event/songs-of-transcendence-histories-of-becoming) **to book or see below\*** Join us at Milton Hall Concert Hall in the Barbican as the LGBTQ+ Fourth Choir celebrates notable trans figures, past and present, with a programme of historical and contemporary a cappella music, showcasing a number of works by trans composers & others. The Fourth Choir is London's LGBTQ + chamber choir for advanced singers. They focus on performing great choral works from early music to contemporary choral masterpieces. The choir was formed in September 2013, and their aim from the outset has been to represent the LGBT + community on London's world-class classical music scene. You can check out their website here:- [https://www.thefourthchoir.com](https://www.thefourthchoir.com) **PROGRAMME** * Clemens non papa *Ego Flos Campi* * Bussewitz-Quarm *Nigra sum* * Ravel *Trois Beaux Oiseaux du Paradis* * Janequin *Le Chant De Oiseaux* * Tara Mack *The Risk of Birth* * eden ahbez (arr. Adenroth) *Nature Boy* INTERVAL * Mari Isabel Valverde *Darest O Soul* * James Oppenheim (arr. Rebecca Dale) *Bread and Roses* * Jake Runestad *Let Our Love Be Heard* * Jamie Moffat *The Hour and The Clime* * Courage Barda *Give orange me* * Pax Ressler *Hope is a Thing with Feathers* * Joanna Forbes L’Estrange *How Do You Keep the Music Playing* * Mia Makaroff *Butterfly* The Fourth Choir Jamie Powe - Conductor **TICKETS** Tickets for this concert can be booked here:- [https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2026/event/songs-of-transcendence-histories-of-becoming](https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2026/event/songs-of-transcendence-histories-of-becoming) Tickets cost £15-£28 with good availability at the time of writing. I'm sat in the Circle, seat A13 if anyone wants to sit nearby. **SOCIAL** After the concert we'll look at heading off for a drink or two (venue TBC).

## This talk will explore the V&A’s rich and varied collection of objects from Iran—a collection which spans thousands of years in many different media and styles. This is a free talk but you need a reservation. [The V&A](https://www.vam.ac.uk/), the UK’s foremost museum of art and design, has been collecting art from Iran since the museum’s very beginnings in the 1850s. Dr Fuchsia Hart, the museum’s Sarikhani Curator for the Iranian Collections, will introduce us to the Jameel Gallery for the Islamic Middle East, where the museum’s most significant objects from Iran can be seen on display. Highlights include the remarkable 10-metre-long Ardabil Carpet which was woven c.1539, one of the world's oldest dated, largest, and most historically significant Persian carpets, most likely as a royal commission, and mesmerising lustre-glazed tiles from the 14th century, representing the height of ceramic production in Iran. The collection is still growing today, and now includes important modern and contemporary pieces from Iran, such as the work of contemporary printmakers, which will also be presented in the talk. **Speaker** Fuchsia has been the Sarikhani Curator for the Iranian Collections at the V&A since 2022. She holds a PhD in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Oxford. Her thesis explored the shrine patronage of Fath 'Ali Shah Qajar (r.1797-1834) in Iran and Iraq. Currently, her other research and curatorial projects explore painting during the reign of Fath 'Ali Shah, embroidery traditions in Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, and the collecting of lustre-glazed tiles from Iran in the UK. Booking details: [https://www.lauderdalehouse.org.uk/whats-on/arts-of-iran-va](https://www.lauderdalehouse.org.uk/whats-on/arts-of-iran-va) Are you interested in reading fiction and non-fiction in French and Spanish, and English? [www.meetup.com/gaia-books](https://www.meetup.com/gaia-books) [www.meetup.com/gaia-libros](http://-www.meetup.com/gaia-libros) [www.meetup.com/gaia-livres](http://-www.meetup.com/gaia-livres) -Instagram: @persian_culture_ -Persian Culture Whatsapp group: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/EZk35ZbJZ6W6wwyHyuxoS2](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EZk35ZbJZ6W6wwyHyuxoS2)

**FREE FOR MEMBERS OR SIGN UP WHEN YOU ARRIVE** Hello music enthusiast, We're excited to invite you to our Songwriting Class held right here in the heart of musical Camden every Saturday at 2 p.m! Whether you're a budding songwriter or just looking to explore your creative side, this class is designed **for people under 30s and all skill levels.** Come be a part of our community!!! No matter your background or experience, all are welcome. Let's turn your musical ideas into real songs! If you want to know more information, text or call Thomas: 07310801741

Join us for an Ecstatic Dance & Cacao Ceremony! A Celebration of Dance Music that Opens the Heart! Awesome Dance Space & Sound System! ECSTATIC DANCE LONDON presents: MY ECSTATIC ODYSSEY - an evening of Euphoric & Uplifting Dance Music \*PLUS\* Cacao Ceremony & Fruit Social! Ecstatic Dance London - Pioneers of the Ecstatic Dance scene in the UK since 2009 are super thrilled to be offering their 17th 'My Ecstatic Odyssey' event on Sat, 14 March, 2026 - 7pm-9:45pm! "Devoted to all those lovers of electronic dance music!" **Tickets and more info:** [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1984580088468?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1984580088468?aff=oddtdtcreator) **📝Sign up for updates & discounts:** [https://ecstaticdancelondon.myflodesk.com/we-are-london](https://ecstaticdancelondon.myflodesk.com/we-are-london) You are warmly invited to join us for our freestyle, expressive dance & moving meditation sessions. This is a unique sober Saturday night dance in London! **WHAT IS "MY ECSTATIC ODYSSEY" ALL ABOUT?** My Ecstatic Odyssey is inspired by some of our summertime open-air Sunset ecstatic dances. There is something magical about a sunset or sunrise that takes us deep into "The Now". That mystical threshold between past and future, where the world starts to feel alive! We'll be channelling the spirit of Ibiza, Goa, and inspiring Sunset/Sunrises worldwide in this potent time of year. Come and dance to OPEN-UP, to release city stress, dance in more light and joy, and make new friends - all accompanied by a transformational euphoric & uplifting dance music set to connect us deeply with our dance, our hearts, and our creativity. We'll be including delicious ceremonial grade cacao and a beautiful cacao ceremony/guided meditation facilitated by Seth to connect us with our body, our heart, and positive intention. No prior experience of dance necessary. All welcome. **～ RETREATS & FESTIVALS 2026 ～** **💜 APRIL 8-12, 2026 - SPRING AWAKENING ECSTATIC DANCE RETREAT** (Gillingham, Dorset, UK) Only 2h direct train from London. Join for 4 days or weekend only. Ecstatic Dance • Yoga • Breathwork • Nature • Saunas • Cold Plunges • Community • Transformation • Sound Journeys • Cacao • Trance Dance Ritual • Singing and much more! A 4 day transformational experience with 50 to 70 beautiful humans, surrounded by spring blossoms, ancient oak trees and the magic of nature waking up. Awaken your body. Ignite your creativity. Come home to your Ecstatic Self. Super Earlybird £400 (Reserve now with £20 deposit on Eventbrite).12 vegetarian meals & camping included. Dorms and private room upgrades available from £10 per night. **RESERVE YOUR PLACE NOW:** [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spring-awakening-deep-dive-ecstatic-dance-embodiment-wellness-retreat-tickets-1976731914368](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spring-awakening-deep-dive-ecstatic-dance-embodiment-wellness-retreat-tickets-1976731914368) **💜 JULY 22-28, 2026 ECSTATIC DANCE FESTIVAL®** (Gillingham, Dorset, UK) Only 2h direct train from London. Join for 4 days or weekend only. Conscious Dance, Music and Healthy Living Gathering with 130-170 people in a beuatiful Dorset Countryside. Tickets include12 vegetarian meals & camping included. Dorms and private room upgrades available from £10 per night. APPLICATIONS FOR DJ'S/ FACILIATORS/ CREW TO BE ANNOUNCED VERY SOON OR CONTACT US VIA EMAIL. **REGISTER YOUR INTEREST FOR SUPER EARLYBIRD TICKETS £360:** [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1979930666923?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1979930666923?aff=oddtdtcreator)

I am proud to announce that we having our jam at the Temple Of Art & Music in Elephant & Castle!! 20 Second Chain: A structured improvisation format where a musical “chain” unfolds organically, with each player responding to and building on what came before. Lineup (on stage together): - 2 guitarists - 1 bass - 1 drummer - 1–2 singers - 1 additional instrument (sax, trumpet, percussion, etc.) How It Works: 1. All musicians on stage are assigned a number, which determines the playing order. 2. Playing order, a key (and available chords) is written on a whiteboard opposite the stage. 3. Number 1 begins alone with a simple idea for 20 seconds — leave space for others to build. 4. Every 20 seconds, the next numbered musician joins one at a time, layering something that complements what’s already happening. 5. Once everyone has entered and the full band is playing, the group improvises for 5 minutes, developing the groove — complexity and solos can grow naturally. 6. No on-stage planning — listen and respond in real time. 7. After the timer ends, the group rotates and a new chain begins. The Temple Of Art and Music is a live music venue and bar in Elephant & Castle so I encourage anyone attending to bring friends as it will be great fun for them even if they are not playing. The venue has a PA system, drum kit, mics and guitar/bass amps. There is no guarantee that there will be cymbals or drum accessories with the drum kit at the venue. Drummers please being your own if you can. Like all our other jams it will be a chance to jam with other musicians playing the music that you love in a gentle environment with no judgement and no pressure. This jam also uniquely gives the opportunity to play in front of a crowd! Tickets are **£10 online** message us let us know what instrument you play and we will confirm if there is space and send you the Eventbrite link for the jam. Please do not hesitate to contact me for more information about this jam and London Jam Sessions. At London Jam Sessions we have an active community on WhatsApp where we all discuss the upcoming jams and future events. Everyone in the community is encouraged to ask questions and bring forward new ideas. Dm me and I can add you to our Whatsapp group.

Join us for this collaboration. I will be presenting a short talk on forgiveness, Rebekah will be bringing her astrological insights speaking about ARIES AND PISCES: MARS AND NEPTUNE Right now, and for weeks to come, nearly every one of the major planets is in the sign of Pisces or in the sign of Aries. Mars, (the ruler of Aries), is in Pisces and Neptune (the ruler of Pisces) is in Aries. In astrology, when this happens we say the two planets are in mutual reception. To illustrate what this means for us, Rebekah will be talking about the story of King Arthur and the Lady of the Lake. The good king and the feminine archetype of the mystical woman who guided him. and Jean-Marc a skilled storyteller will be performing some stories which have metaphorical meanings. It’s sure to be a wonderful meeting with space for you to connect and socialise with others too. Looking forward to seeing you there. 😊✨

Kick off your week with music, movement, and great vibes. Come solo or with friends—no partner needed! **Schedule (This Sunday):** • 6:30 PM – Free Bachata Taster • 7:00 PM – Bachata Classes (3 Levels) • 8:00 PM – Salsa Classes (3 Levels) • 9:00 PM–12:30 AM – FREE Social Dancing (Salsa, Bachata, a touch of Kiz) **What to expect:** • Friendly teachers, clear level splits, and lots of practice time • Great music and a welcoming crowd for all levels—absolute beginners to improvers • Central location, easy transport, and good vibes all night **Why social dancing is good for you:** Social dancing is a fun workout that boosts your cardio, coordination, and posture—without feeling like “exercise.” It reduces stress, fires up your brain with musical timing and footwork patterns, and improves confidence through gentle challenges and quick wins. Dancing with different partners builds connection, empathy, and communication skills (you literally learn to “listen” with your body). It’s also an incredible way to make friends and feel part of a community—one song at a time. Good to know: • No partner or experience required • Wear comfy shoes, bring water, and arrive a bit early for level check-in • Classes start right on time—don’t miss your warm-up! Price: £10 one class £12 two classes 6:30 PM class is FREE intro to bachata RSVP now so we can plan levels and floor space. See you on the dance floor! 💃🕺

Meeting Room 2b, Main Library Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen). Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. We desirere to cultivate a space where all questions are welcome and all members are treated with compassion and respect. All backgrounds are welcome.

Join Sacred Sound Alchemy Columbus for a transformative Sound Bath experience that will take you on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Immerse yourself in the powerful vibrations of various sound instruments like crystal singing bowls and rain drums, carefully orchestrated to balance your chakras and uplift your spirit. The soothing sounds will help you release negative energy, reduce stress, and promote deep relaxation. This event is perfect for those seeking a moment of tranquility and a chance to connect with their inner selves. Whether you are new to sound healing or a seasoned practitioner, you will benefit from the harmonious frequencies that will resonate with your body and soul. Come and allow yourself to be enveloped in a wave of healing energy, leaving you refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready for life's next chapter. Please bring something comfortable to lay on like a yoga mat. Being a pillow for your head or for under your knees and a blanket to cover over yourou. The library can get cold. Bring some water to help flush your body for after the session.

Join Sacred Sound Alchemy Columbus for a transformative Sound Bath experience that will take you on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Immerse yourself in the powerful vibrations of various sound instruments like crystal singing bowls and rain drums, carefully orchestrated to balance your chakras and uplift your spirit. The soothing sounds will help you release negative energy, reduce stress, and promote deep relaxation. This event is perfect for those seeking a moment of tranquility and a chance to connect with their inner selves. Whether you are new to sound healing or a seasoned practitioner, you will benefit from the harmonious frequencies that will resonate with your body and soul. Come and allow yourself to be enveloped in a wave of healing energy, leaving you refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready for life's next chapter. Please bring something comfortable to lay on like a yoga mat. Being a pillow for your head or for under your knees and a blanket to cover over yourou. The library can get cold. Bring some water to help flush your body for after the session.

The topic for March is "Our Bodies, Ourselves" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!