Woman At Point Zero

Woman at Point Zero

Laila Soliman, Bushra El-Turk,
Stacy Hardy, Bissane Al Charif

Woman at Point Zero, is a multimedia opera about women's rights and abuse - but most of all: about a woman of extraordinary strength.

Woman at Point Zero is a new opera by LOD Muziektheater inspired by the novel by Egyptian writer and feminist Nawal El Saadawi. The opera tells the story of two women: Fatma, who is a self-made feminist and activist imprisoned for man-slaughter and Sama, a young ambitious documentary filmmaker who wants to tell her story. Fatma describes to Sama how she searches for freedom from the vicious cycle of violence that controls her life. As their relationship unfolds over the course of one day, they share their memories, experiences and secrets - moving from distrust to curiosity and solidarity and finally friendship. What does it mean to be a woman? What does it mean to be liberated? Is it possible to be freer in prison than outside?

From this universal story of abuse and emancipation, composer Bushra El-Turk, director Laila Soliman, writer Stacy Hardyand scenographer and film designer Bissane Al Charif create a multimedia opera. Conducted by Kanako Abe, the music blends Western and Eastern traditions, performed on a unique mix of ancient folk instruments by musicians from all over the world.