SHAMS: A Love Story As Told By Rumi Himself

“My home has no place, no sign, no trace,
I am neither in body nor soul,
nor anywhere other than my love’s life and soul.
If ever I spent a moment without you,
I’d repent it the rest of my life.”
– Rumi

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND

Sahba Aminikia's SHAMS is a transformative multimedia experience that builds cultural bridges through the profound story of Rumi and his spiritual mentor Shams Tabrizi. This groundbreaking work combines the largest-ever musical setting of Rumi's poetry in its original Farsi with live visual art, dance, and orchestral elements, creating an unprecedented artistic fusion that has captivated Dallas audiences since its premiere.

Returning by overwhelming popular demand, SHAMS unites Verdigris Ensemble with Bruce Wood Dance Dallas and the Crow Museum of Asian Art in a powerful collaboration. Originally conceived and directed by Sam Brukhman, this production features the masterful live art by Sara Baumann, poetic translations by Zara Houshmand, and musical performances by Verdigris Ensemble alongside a string quartet. The work explores the transformative power of human connection through the story of Rumi's legendary 40-day encounter with Shams Tabrizi—a brief but profound relationship that sparked one of the greatest artistic and spiritual transformations in human history.

In the context of Verdigris Ensemble's TRANSCEND season, SHAMS represents the culmination of our season's journey, demonstrating how art can transcend cultural, linguistic, and spiritual boundaries. Through its innovative blend of Middle Eastern musical traditions with contemporary classical styles, live visual art, and movement, SHAMS creates a uniquely immersive experience that invites audiences to explore the universal themes of love, understanding, and personal transformation. The work stands as a testament to Dallas's evolving identity as a hub of cultural innovation, where diverse artistic traditions converge to create something entirely new and profound.

Music by Sahba Aminikia
VisualArt by Sara Baumann
Choreography by Joy Bollinger
In Collaboration with Bruce Wood Dance Dallas
Text Translation by Zara Houshmand
Projection by Courtney Ware
Performed by Verdigris Ensemble
Conceived and Directed by Sam Brukhman