Unchained

Musiqa is delighted to present Unchained: A Collaborative Intermedia Tribute to Women’s Stories of Resilience, a captivating two-night event this August at the Midtown Arts & Theater Center in Houston (MATCH). The event showcases Iranian-American composer Badie Khaleghian, along with an array of talented artists and performers.

The evening opens with Electric Sky Blue, an immersive, multisensory experience crafted for pianist and movement artist Caroline Owen. This piece fuses interactive sound and visuals, offering an engaging platform for both the performer and audiences to connect with art on multiple dimensions. Rooted in Owen’s poetic contemplation on the color electric sky blue, the work unfolds over ten vivid scenes, each inspired by a line from her evocative poetry. Cutting-edge technologies employed within the piece generate an entrancing real-time visual and sonic experience intimately entwined with the movements and piano performance of Owen.

This will be followed by “Half-told Stories,” a one-of-a-kind collaboration between NobleMotion Dance and Khaleghian. This dance piece is inspired by the personal narratives of four extraordinary dancers on the stage. The result is a rich tapestry of human spirit and resilience, all expressed through the eloquent language of movement.

The grand finale of the evening, “Tahirih the Pure,” is a potent melding of solo piano and live painting, illustrating the story of the renowned Middle Eastern poet, theologian, and women’s rights activist, Tahirih Qurratul-ayn. In this 15-minute performance, Kyle Sharkey’s live painting narrates Tahirih’s brave rejection of traditional religious ideologies, culminating in her daring act of unveiling her hijab.

“Unchained” is not just an event; it’s a celebration of women’s stories, strength, and resilience. This unique experience, brought to life through an innovative combination of live music, digital and physical art, and dance, offers a fresh perspective on the narratives of women through a diverse array of artistic mediums.

We extend a warm invitation to everyone to join us in this extraordinary evening of compelling storytelling and breathtaking artistry. Please visit our website for ticketing information.