A kaleidoscopic ritual of multilingual poetry, original music, folk songs, dance and shadow puppetry.

The Resonant Heart (TRH) is a collective that creates autonomous, authentic spaces for CALD and BIPOC women and female identifying artists to share their creative voices with wider Australian audiences.

The lineup includes devotional Indian vocalist and sitarist Sarita McHarg, Iranian musician Vahideh Eisaei, and theatre maker Elnaz Sheshgelani who explores Persian dramatic storytelling Naghal and shadow puppetry,  South Sudanese poet Lizzy Kuoth and the Balkan/Sephardic Jewish Trio SARAY Iluminado that includes  multi-instrumentalists Irine Vela and Kelly Dowall with vocalist Nela Trifkovic, who initiated the project with her colleagues from the trio in 2020.

These artists have united to co-create from their collective and individual embodied cultural and artistic knowledge. Together they developed a ritualistic interdisciplinary work The Heart Whispers and Whirls – a mesmerising kaleidoscope of multi-lingual poetry, original compositions, folk songs, movement and shadow puppetry.

 The Heart Whispers and Whirls includes original instrumental and vocal music and traditional Bosnian, Sephardic Jewish, Indian and Iranian songs, as well as, stories and poems in Nuer, Hindi, Bosnian, Farsi, Serbian and Ladino languages. Often described as a “ritualistic feast of ancient ways of knowing” this work celebrates creative sisterhoods and connections to matrilineal ancestry through songs, stories and dances of togetherness.

About AVAZAN

Avazan is a Sydney-based collective of female musicians dedicated to celebrating cultural diversity through the universal language of music. Founded on International Women’s Day in 2023, this ACNC-registered charity brings together passionate artists to spotlight Middle Eastern music and global traditions, creating powerful performances that unite and inspire.

Through vibrant storytelling and rich musical heritage, Avazan promotes cultural exchange, fosters artistic growth, and champions the wellbeing of women. With every note, they aim to heal, connect, and uplift ,  proving that music is not just an art form, but a force for unity and empowerment.

Buy 4 or more & SAVE from $20

Save $5 per ticket when you buy 4 or more tickets*

*Offer valid for B-Reserve seating only when purchasing 4 or more tickets in one transaction.. Must select “Group of 4+” after selecting your seats via the drop-down menus under the seating map. Subject to availability. Advertised savings based on the full-price B-Reserve ticket. Not valid for previously purchased tickets. Transaction fee applies.

Accessibility

In English

Wheelchair accessible

Companion Card accepted

Assistive Hearing system available (FM)

Find out more about accessibility at Riverside Theatres

Additional Ticketing Information

$6.95 Transaction Fee applies.

The authorised ticket agency for this event is Riverside Theatres.

Only tickets purchased by authorised agencies should be considered reliable. If you purchase tickets from a non-authorised agency, you risk that these tickets are fake, void, or have previously been cancelled. Resale restriction applies.

Prices are correct at the time of publication and subject to change without notice. Exact prices will be displayed with seat selection. Children aged 0-18 months at the time of a performance may be seated on an adult’s lap free of charge. A valid ticket is required for all children over 18 months.

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This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts advisory and investment body.