House of Strength

House of Strength is a spiritual, physical, and musical performance where the versatility of man is celebrated. Choreographer Roshanak Morrowatian transforms an ancient ritual, originally from Persia, into contemporary inclusive dance that celebrates the power of the collective.

Traditionally, the Varzesh-e bastani (old or traditional sport) or Varzesh-e Pahlevani (heroes sport) in Iran is performed in an arena in the Zurkaneh, which literally means ‘House of Strength’. The aim of the ritual is to become a better person by a combination of power training, spirituality, poetry, and music. It is performed exclusively by men in public.

In House of Strength, five female, male and queer performers take over. They transform a gymnastically one-sided tradition into a compelling physical expression of inclusive contemporary dance. In harmony, the dancers encourage each other in who they are and also celebrate the power of the collective.