Sufi Whirling Meditation, Sema: A Spiritual Practice or Performative Art?
Publication information:
Abstract
Performance: Sema (sama) is a form of active prayer and meditation in motion practiced by some Sufis who follow a mystical expression of Islam. The word is often translated as “sacred audition” and unfolds through the practitioner’s turning (or whirling). This 20-minute hybrid presentation will offer a taste of this active prayer by semazen (whirling dervish) Tawhida Tanya Evanson and musician Saeed Kamjoo (kamanche). In this presentation, we will strive to hold the centrality of prayer and present the turning and music together to provoke questions of sema as both spiritual practice in Sufism and performative art.
Presenter Biography
SEMAZENS (WHIRLING DERVISHES): Tawhida Tanya Evanson, Shraddha Blaney, Maral Farrokh
MUSICIANS: Saeed Kamjoo (kamancheh), Soudeh Tehrani (percussion)
Tawhida Tanya Evanson is an award-winning Canadian poet, novelist, artist and producer with a 25-year career in the arts. She performs internationally, has authored four books, and produced audio recordings and films. A student in the Rifa’i-Marufi Sufi Order since 2002, she has presented sema with Mercan Dede and Niyaz across North America, Europe and Asia. mothertonguemedia.com
Saeed Kamjoo is an Iranian musician and composer from Tehran, who began studying kamanche at the age of 17 with renowned masters. He moved to Canada in 1997 and has since collaborated with various ensembles, recorded numerous albums, and performed at festivals across North America and Europe with groups such as Dastan Ensemble and Namâd Ensemble.