Here Are Girls is a creative collaboration between Mahsa Salali, Roxanna Albayati, and Lumanzin, three artists that found a connection through the similarities and differences between their musical and cultural backgrounds. The concept of the work has developed over years of our individual creative practices as female musicians in the art industry. Given that all 3 artists belong to different diasporas, the struggle of belonging and expressing one’s personal voice as an outsider has materialized heavily in this project. The work is a physical and musical exploration of the expectations and constraints which weigh on women through traditional and modern-day struggles. Specifically ideas around how female bodies are presented, the notion of modesty, and the physical as well as mental impact it has on women. 

The work uses the poem "Here Are Girls" by Elisabeth Hewer.
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Roxanna Albayati: cello, voice, movement
Lumanzin: electronics, voice, movement
Mahsa Salali: piano, voice, movement

Artistic director: Mahsa Salali
Audio mix and master: Lumanzin
Video editor: Roxanna Albayati
Assistance video editor: Clara Finch

Recorded at Shaken Oak Studios, UK

Premiered at Deptford X 2022 Festival