Shabnam Tavakol on Bringing Poetry to Life in WALK IN BEAUTY
Shabnam Tavakol is thrilled to revisit the poetic masterpiece ‘Walk in Beauty’, a show she first performed at the cusp of the ending of COVID-19 restrictions in 2020. “We might have been the first theatre show in town,” she reminisces. The original performance, which was significantly longer, has been meticulously refined in both mood and themes to complement ‘Tales of Kabbarli’, a powerful narrative featuring the esteemed Robina Beard. “The show comprises ten poems from early world cultures, with lyrical tones that balance the tragic story told by Daisy Bates about the first peoples in Australia,” explains Shabnam.
‘Walk in Beauty’ is a ceremonial and theatrical experience, where poems are presented in ten segments through performance poetry, dance, chant/song, and immersive video. Critics have hailed it as ‘mesmerising’ and a ‘lyrical gem,’ with the Sydney Arts Guide praising its ‘theatrical immersion into creative movement, evocative music, a delectable visual feast and, above all, immortal verse…Earth is replenished and reborn in joy.’ This unique production stands as a homage to humanity and the earth as a whole.
Shabnam brings a wealth of experience to the stage, having worked in both Australian and international productions. Growing up in Australia, since the age of 3, from Iranian and Indian parents, she works in visual theatre specialised in puppetry, and is captivated by the experimental nature of ‘Walk in Beauty’. With over two decades of international touring experience, her award-winning performances have enchanted audiences at prestigious festivals worldwide. In addition to her performance work, Shabnam is a dedicated tutor, sharing her expertise with students, including at NIDA student orientations.
The double bill of ‘Tales of Kabbarli’ and ‘Walk in Beauty’ merges two works initially planned in 2012. ‘Walk in Beauty’ celebrates the poetry of earth’s early cultures, echoing the themes of Daisy Bates’ writings, who spent 30 years living with Aboriginal peoples in the Nullarbor. The program also poignantly addresses the loss of major corroboree sites at Eucla due to the construction of the transcontinental railway, an event Bates documented as a journalist. This tragic history is powerfully brought to life by veteran performer Robina Beard, whose acclaimed portrayal has been described as ‘luminous,’ ‘authentic,’ and ‘impeccable.’
As the enchanting production ‘Walk in Beauty’ returns to the stage, we had the opportunity to chat with Shabnam Tavakol, one of the lead performers, to discuss her journey with this unique piece and its evolution since its first performance in 2020. Shabnam’s insights reveal the intricate layers and heartfelt connections that make this production a celebration of poetry, humanity, and the earth.
Revisiting Walk in Beauty After 2020
Reflecting on the initial performance of ‘Walk in Beauty’ in 2020, Shabnam shared, “I’m excited to present this work again although in a greatly adapted form, now as a double bill. During rehearsals, the director Geoffrey Sykes continued to develop it by rearranging and adding new poems to steer it into another direction that helped frame ‘Tales of Kabbarli’ so the two read each other. At one point though I was frustrated and I did cheekily ask him to sign my script as a contract to say there will be no more changes.”
The initial performance in 2020 was unexpectedly successful. Shabnam recalled, “In its development, I simply was happy to indulge in creativity, poetry, and all things theatre which perhaps intuitively as artists we naturally incline to in times of difficulties. It became another world to escape to, but in that world, we often end up grappling with the real themes of the word we escape from, and occasionally, maybe help us transcend it.”
Adapting Early World Cultures into Fluid Performance
Walk in Beauty integrates ten poems from early world cultures in various styles, presenting unique challenges. Shabnam revealed, “Honestly when I first read the poems I instinctively was drawn to them and in reciting them found it quite healing and moving. When I used my analytical mind I was so confused by what it was all about. Then I quickly let go and allowed it to work its magic on me and with instinct, imagination, and intuition it made perfect sense and creative movement and ideas followed effortlessly.”
The biggest challenge, she noted, was finding her character’s justification in the piece. “I decided in my mind then that she will be an artist or poetess and in performing the poems she was transformed by them into a goddess, a bird, a woman, etc. This time though the concept changed, and I was looking to find another framing for the piece… He spoke about anthropology and that was it, I said that’s what I will be. I will be the anthropologist… and in this case a slightly eccentric one who is not just presenting the works she collected but performs them because she is overcome by them in a way that the poems have become her life passion and literally take over her being.”
Influence of Children’s Theatre and Puppetry
Shabnam’s extensive background in children’s theatre and puppetry has significantly influenced her approach to the experimental nature of ‘Walk in Beauty’. “I trained and worked extensively with Horizon Theatre Company where this version of the work was first staged. The company specialises in visual theatre and puppetry, and that also includes in its repertoire several productions for children locally and worldwide. My extensive training and work with them over the years has influenced me immensely.”
She shared a humorous anecdote, “He won’t admit it, but I know I drove Geoffrey mad when I first worked with him because of my obsession with turning the hanging fabrics and every prop into a puppet. He eventually relented and thankfully accommodated me to explore.”
Balancing Lyrical Celebration and Tragic Stories
The double bill with ‘Tales of Kabbarli’ provides a unique balance between lyrical celebration and the tragic story of Australia’s first peoples. Shabnam believes this duality enhances the program’s impact, stating, “I think bringing these two shows together in a double bill has revised and given new meaning to ‘Walk in Beauty’. Through the contrast of the two shows, Geoffrey has delicately made layers of meaning around our treatment of first nations people and its related themes.”
She continued, “The message is there is always hope and renewal too and it’s not instead of, but often hangs equally with the darkness that surrounds it. For me, the message is let’s remember and understand our wrongdoings and our humanity’s darkness as a way of learning and growing and transforming so we don’t repeat it.”
Blending Acting, Dance, and Puppetry
With over two decades of international touring experience, Shabnam seamlessly blends acting, dance, and puppetry in her performances. “Maybe it’s instinctive for me now over the years that all these skills blend together in whatever I’m working on somehow and wow, working with poetry is the perfect frame for all those skills to combine. I mean I’m like a duck to water working with poetry as with my visual theatre, puppetry, and dance background they all sit well together.”
She elaborated, “In one of the scenes I bring touches of my background in dance, particularly Indian classical, Persian dance, and belly dance. I added to the beautiful drumming piece which could be interpreted by different dance genres in many ways, but I decided to go with my strengths.”
Resonance with Contemporary Audiences
Discussing the themes of ‘Walk in Beauty’ and their relevance today, Shabnam reflected, “The homage to early cultures in this show is about First nations people offering indispensable remembrance and understanding of our collective humanity and dare I say spirituality somewhat long forgotten. I love how the poems show people being rooted to the material realm in celebrating nature and simultaneously connected to the unseen spiritual realm. And that the two are one and the same.”
Collaborating with Robina Beard
Finally, working alongside veteran performer Robina Beard has been a unique experience for Shabnam. “I have yet to work with her closely on this one and it will surely happen in upcoming rehearsals leading to the performances. The previous shows were presented in the same season but not as a double bill like this. We had seen each other’s shows and I had no idea at the time of her notoriety.”
Shabnam looks forward to learning from Robina, “I think I will get to chat with her about her vast experiences as a performer and I hope to learn as much as I can. On some days of rehearsal, I’d get up off the floor and complain to Geoffrey about aches and pains and make a joke at myself that it’s ridiculous compared to Robina who effortlessly performs with abounding energy.”
‘Walk in Beauty’ promises to be a powerful and transformative experience, weaving together poetry, performance, and profound themes that resonate deeply with contemporary audiences. Shabnam Tavakol’s dedication and multifaceted talents bring this unique production to life, inviting us all to walk in beauty and reflect on our shared humanity.
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this evocative double bill, featuring ‘Walk in Beauty’ and ‘Tales of Kabbarli’, at Actor’s Pulse, 103 Regent Street, Redfern. Performances are scheduled for July 5, 6, 18, 19, 20, and 21, with evening shows at 7 PM, except for July 21, which will feature a matinee at 2 PM. Additional matinees will be held on July 6 and 21. Immerse yourself in a theatrical journey that celebrates the poetry of early world cultures and honours the profound history of Australia’s first peoples.
Season Details
Walk in Beauty
Venue: Actors’ Pulse – 103 Regent Street, Redfern NSW 2508
Dates: Friday 5 July 2024 – Sunday 21 July 2024
To book tickets click HERE.
