About Rumi Passion
For over 750 years, the literary works of Jalal ad-Din Rumi have inspired countless individuals. The insights of this Persian poet and Sufi mystic were profoundly shaped by his encounter with the dervish Shams-e Tabrizi, which set him on an inner journey, challenging him to let go of his knowledge and reach for a higher level of understanding.
Rumi, often regarded as the Shakespeare of the Persian world, continues to captivate imaginations. His poetry explores timeless themes such as migration, mental health, and tolerance. A brand-new international musical ensemble draws inspiration from the life of this legendary poet to present an all-encompassing spectacle featuring a stunning set design, mesmerizing dance, music, and poetry. Complemented by a highly accomplished artistic team, the collective brings Rumi’s journey to life—a world of challenges where love serves as the unifying thread connecting everyone.
The musical theater performance premiered in September 2023 as the season opener at Ha Concerts, immediately selling out two performances. In the next seasons, it will tour various cultural centers across Flanders. Discover all performance dates.
TEAM
Filip Standaert (direction), Osama Abdulrasol (composition, qanun), Farnoosh Khodadadeh (daf, vocals), Pelin Başar (ney, vocals) or Şükrü Kirtis (ney), Shahab Azinmehr (setar, vocals), Damla Aydin (cello), François Taillefer (percussion), Khaled Al-Hafez (vocals), Işıl Bıçakçı (choreography, dance), Griet Desutter (poetics, narrator)
Concept: Filip Standaert, Osama Abdulrasol, Farnoosh Khodadadeh | Research and poetry selection: Farnoosh Khodadadeh, Filip Standaert, Griet Desutter | Set and lighting design: Alexander Ronsse | Theologian and dramaturgy advisor: Jonas Slaets | Costumes: Inge Coleman
A co-production of Ha Concerts, De Centrale, Cluster, Evil Penguin TV and Handelsreizigers in ideeën, with the support of the City of Ghent, Flanders and the Tax Shelter.
Check out the press file for Rumi Passion.
photos © Geert Vandepoele, Bart Van der Moeren – De Warande, Filip Erkens, Joëlle Verbeeck & Tom De Boeck
videos
Video Playlist
In the press
“In the verses of Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi (1207-1273), there is something very beautiful that transcends time. (…) That ‘something’ is simple wisdom. Rumi Passion highlights that simplicity in a subtle and layered production featuring music, dance, singing, and recitation.”
**** De Standaard
“Ghent-based international collective pays tribute to the poet Rumi, whose verses are even tattooed on the body of Brad Pitt. (…) What generations find in Rumi is love. In times of polarization, let’s look at each other through a different lens. Let’s be open to others and start from goodness, from love.”
“The relationship between Rumi and Shams, along with the poems that emerged from it, serves as the inspiration for our composition. We interpret his work with a contemporary twist, reflecting how people view the world today. In doing so, we aim to build a bridge between the various cultures in our society.”
past shows
Paul Snoekstraat 1
Sint-Niklaas, 9100 Belgium
album
Rumi Passion
2025
podcast
Theologian and dramaturgical advisor Jonas Slaats created a special episode for his podcast series 'Greetings from Shambhala' in relation to this performance. It features a beautiful conversation between Jonas Slaats and musician Farnoosh Khodadadeh, allowing every listener to better contextualize the various facets of the performance.
Watch the performance
Can't make it to the performance? No worries! Evil Penguin TV has beautifully captured Rumi Passion, so you can now enjoy it online. With a free registration, you'll gain access to the entire catalog of the platform.
