An unforgettable evening consisting of dance, music, cake and joy.

Shortly after the 1979 Iranian revolution, the new leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, banned music in the country, equating it to opium. As a result, many artists moved to Los Angeles to find new ways to make a living and practice their artistry in exile without the support they previously received from the authorities. This was often done through recordings and concerts of the dāmbuli dimbol genre of music, as it was the kind of music people danced to at mehmooni (a social event where you are invited to someone's home for dinner, dancing, celebrating, etc.).

It is a fugitive culture of dance, music and joy, and it has long been dismissed as apolitical and poisoned art by intellectuals, Marxists, Islamists and Westerners. But with the help of illegal dissemination, it has found its way back to Iran and become mainstream culture behind closed doors. Repression has made this music signify secret community and freedom – a catalyst for realizing one's dreams.

The performance Keeping Up with the Iranians takes its roots in this part of musical history by recreating a mehmooni with world-renowned artists Setareh and Poupak, chart-topping pianist Fereshteh and renowned choreographer Dancing Dina, who come all the way from Los Angeles to visit. To the tune of dāmbuli dimbol songs, they invite the audience to an unforgettable evening of dance, music, cake and joy.

Created and produced by: Afrang Nordlöf MalekianPerformers: Mia Herman, Sepideh Khodarahmi, Afrang Nordlöf Malekian, Edwin SafariGraphic design: Agga StagePoster photographer: Jean-Baptiste BérangerPerformance photographer: Malin LQ