HOOT
“Hoot” was performed in a place called “Bagh-e Sangi” (The Garden of Stone) by Iranians, including artists. Bagh-e Sangi is a collection of sculptures made from stone, dry trees, string, and wire, created by a deaf old man named Darvish Khan, away from social and urban areas in the desert over six decades. Each tree in the garden is a separate work of art with a unique secret and form that creates a magnificent whole. The main idea of “Hoot” is derived from the movements felt in Bagh-e Sangi, the movements of the stones and wires in each work (tree) that occur with the wind or with the intervention of the audience.
“Hoot” was performed with a focus on the movements and dances of Darvish Khan, the garden’s artist, and creator. Darvish Khan had his own dance and occasionally performed it improvisationally while maintaining the general concept. “Hoot” is performed as a “Butoh” dance under the influence of this space, the works, and movements.
Ali Kalantari lived with Darvish Khan for a brief period before his passing. This dance is a part of this life, perception, and conversation. Many enigmatic things will not be expressed in the language-less world of deaf Darvish Khan except through his body and secrets.
Finally, it should be noted that Butoh dance is sometimes taboo-breaking and nudity is considered a major taboo in public display in Iran. Since Bagh-e Sangi has become a tourist attraction today, the performing group faced many challenges to achieve their goal but succeeded.