Zemzemeh, Siyavash Doostkhah and Greta Kelly, weave Persian mysticism and ritual soundscapes into immersive experiences for stage and ceremony. Rooted in ancient Persian culture, Zemzemeh draws from experimental sound and electronics, to create works that are both sacred and futuristic.

Zemzemeh is a vessel for spiritual, and cultural transformation. The name itself means ‘sacred whisper’, echoing the subtle spiritual vibrations that exist in all beings, connecting individuals to the fabric of existence. By merging ancient instruments and texts with contemporary sounds, Zemzemeh invites listeners to embark on a spiritual exploration, revealing the timeless truth of the human soul.

Zemzemeh have performed live soundtracks for GOMA, at Salam in Sydney, at Hobart’s Dark MOFO, and with Emma Donovan for Queensland Performing Arts Centre’s Songs of Hope and Healing. Their practice ranges from extended, site-responsive improvisations in nature, to large-scale stage collaboration.

Zemzemeh recently performed Rhyme & Reason a show with Aboriginal and Persian musicians and dancers and featuring Andrew Gibbs’ live visuals with sacred geometry and translations of mystical poetry.

Rhyme & Reason tours with the following artists:
Siyavash Doostkhah - vocals, tanbour, synths, samples
Greta Kelly - shah kaman, vocals
Andrew Gibbs - visuals
Siyavash Doostkhah - translations of Persian mystical poetry

Optional collaboration with 1-2 local percussionists and one local whirling ‘Sama’ dancer.

Key messages:
- An immersive, live music and visuals event for all ages.
- Opportunity to experience a multi-arts production by exceptional artists.
- Highly accessible, engaging poetry workshops.
- Connecting with audiences through immersive experiences which promote cross-cultural awareness.

While the production will be marketed broadly throughout each performance region, the following groups will be specifically targeted:

- Traditional Owners and other Murri networks
- Members of the Persian speaking community
- Community poetry networks/groups
- High school and tertiary level English, instrumental music, film & - TV and visual arts students
- People who practice meditation and yoga
- Supporters of Zemzemeh
- World music lovers
- Fans of MZAZA and DeepBlue

Marketing assets include:
Eye catching hero shot
High quality, short, engaging videos for social media and websites
General media release with key info – genre, performance and workshop dates/time/duration, age suitability
Performance and workshop posters / flyers including all required acknowledgments and logos
Engaging marketing copy
Company info, cast and creatives info and bios
Call-out to poets, instrumental music students and community musicians through Facebook groups
Call-out to visual artists, and film & TV, and art students via teachers
Media quotes & reviews (see Presenter Pack)
Digital links
Promotional ideas and Facebook/Instagram post copy and series of video rich Rhyme & Reason tiles
Pre workshop information & workshop registration forms

Siyavash Doostkhah facilitates 1-3 optional Mystical Poetry Workshops that can be programmed in advance of the performance season.

These workshops are of interest to the general public as well as poets and community poetry and spiritual groups, and provide a wonderful introduction to the show’s themes.

Sample Mystical Poetry Workshop Copy:

Step into the timeless world of Sufi mysticism and Persian poetry. This free workshop invites you to explore the layered wisdom of five influential mystic poets; Rumi, Hafez, Ibn Arabi, Attar, and Saadi.

Through reflective readings, guided discussions, and meditative exercises, discover how their verses unlock deeper truths about love, the self, and the divine. No prior knowledge of Persian poetry or Sufism is required, just a willingness to listen, reflect, and connect.

Come and discover how the wisdom of the past speaks to the questions and longings of today. The content of the each workshop will not be the same or progressive, so registering for either or both is welcome.

These workshops are the perfect prelude to Zemzemeh’s Rhyme & Reason, a multi-arts performance which fuses ancient Persian acoustic instruments with electronica, weaving sacred geometry, rhythmic animations, and translations into an immersive journey through the mystical music and poetry of Iran.