Audience members who braved the driving rain and disregarded an impending tube strike were warmly rewarded with a magical celebration of Afghan poetry and music at Leighton House in Kensington, one of London’s most beautiful buidlings that’s famous for its gorgeous Orientalist interiors created by Victorian artist, Frederic Leighton.
We were delighted to have been asked to organise a reading of Afghan poetry that featured the outstanding Afghan poet, Reza Mohammadi. Unfortunately, Reza couldn’t get back from Kabul in time for the event and, instead, we were treated to a mesmerising reading of his poems by his wife Muhiba Mohammadi; Reza’s translations were read by PTC Director, Sarah Maguire. The poetry of Shakila Azizzada (now living in India) was read in Dari by the singer Elaha Soroor and in English by her translator, poet Mimi Khalvati.
The evening also included music from the brilliant Yusuf Mahmoud Afghani Music Ensemble.
Leighton House is staging a fascinating exhibition called Ferozkoh: Tradition and Continuity in Afghan Art until 23rd February 2014, accompanied by a series of events celebrating the art and music of Afghanistan.
