Gilgamesh

A Storytelling

Gilgamesh is an enthralling tale of transformation, chronicling the legendary King Gilgamesh as he evolves from a ruthless tyrant into a wise and compassionate leader. Through his profound friendship with Enkidu, a bond forged in battle and strengthened by shared adventures, Gilgamesh learns the true essence of leadership. Together, the two heroes embark on extraordinary quests, facing mythical monsters and divine challenges.

Dating back to around 2700 BCE, The Epic of Gilgamesh holds the distinction of being the oldest recorded story in human history.

This performance is the culmination of a unique storytelling project, featuring a diverse group of "global citizens." The project's primary goal was to empower participants, many of whom are non-native Dutch speakers, to master the art of storytelling in the Dutch language and deliver their narratives to a Dutch-speaking audience.

EMPOWERMENT THROUGH STORYTELLING

In 2019, the PassePartout Foundation developed a plan to introduce former refugees to the art of storytelling. The goal was to gather a small group of participants who would use storytelling as a tool to build self-confidence—confidence in using the Dutch language as a means of communication and in presenting themselves to a Dutch audience. A small, motivated core group emerged, and the first arrangements were made.

Soon, however, a mysterious pandemic arose. Our project had to be postponed, testing everyone’s patience. Over the course of 2020, the project was adapted to accommodate "the new distance," but this approach was less than ideal. We considered translating the theater plans into a film and book, which led to some participants dropping out. The guiding principle seemed to be to stick with the original plan. However, in 2021, it was put on hold once again. There were moments when we nearly lost heart. It wasn’t until later that year that we were able to restart the project.

During the process, it became apparent that the participants preferred not to work with their own stories but with an existing text instead. This text needed to be written in simple language. Thus, the idea was born to use the universal story of Gilgamesh as a springboard for our project.

The storytellers—a diverse group of global citizens from the Netherlands (two narrators), Kurdistan, and Syria (the seven players)—have grown significantly in confidence over time. They’ve engaged in plenty of outside-the-box exercises, learning to use their voices and bodies more effectively. They’ve also delved into their roles, exploring the motivations and underlying emotions of their characters. Above all, they have worked hard on the texts: memorizing lines, mastering the correct emphasis and intonation, and speaking the dialogues clearly and understandably.

Their spoken Dutch isn’t entirely flawless yet, but the players have made remarkable progress. Moreover, they’ve learned to "direct" their texts as much as possible. In storytelling, after all, you tell your story to someone else—not only to another character in the story but especially to the audience that is listening. And that was the aim of this project: to learn how to tell a story in Dutch to a public audience.

Enjoy this wonderful group, the joy they have in telling this story, and the effort they’ve put into sharing it with you in the Dutch language!

May 2022, Emile Schra

Background

The Epic of Gilgamesh is widely regarded as the oldest literary masterpiece in human history. Rooted partly in historical events, the story revolves around King Gilgamesh, who reigned in Mesopotamia—an ancient civilization nestled between the Euphrates and Tigris rivers—around 2700 BCE. After his death, Gilgamesh became renowned not only for his legendary deeds but also as a figure whose life was enshrouded in myth. Over time, the historical truth intertwined with fantastical tales, giving birth to one of humanity's earliest epic narratives.

The Mesopotamians had a unique method for preserving their most significant texts: clay tablets. These tablets, made from flat slabs of fresh clay approximately three centimeters thick, were inscribed with cuneiform script using sharp tools. Typically, both sides of a tablet contained three columns of text, meticulously carved into the surface.

One of the most extensive collections of clay tablets in the ancient Middle East belonged to King Ashurbanipal of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria in northern Mesopotamia. Tragically, a massive fire in 612 BCE devastated the royal library, reducing its precious clay tablets to a dense, 30-centimeter-thick layer of rubble. It wasn't until 1850 that the British archaeologist Austen Henry Layard unearthed these remnants. A few years later, linguists deciphered the cuneiform script, unlocking a treasure trove of ancient knowledge.

A raw version created using cork, hand-carved, with acrylic paint and other materials.

Dimensions: 50 x 70 cm
Artists: Ali Taifour, Nawras Nahar

The Epic of Gilgamesh consists of 12 clay tablets. Over the millennia, the story evolved and traveled across vast territories, encompassing present-day Syria, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Lebanon, and Palestine. Multiple versions of the epic emerged, reflecting its enduring impact and the rich cultural tapestry of the ancient world.

Synopsis

At birth, Gilgamesh is part divine and part mortal. Upon becoming the king of Uruk, he quickly transforms into a ruthless tyrant, unwilling to tolerate dissent. Far from being the "shepherd" of his people, as a ruler should be, he exploits and oppresses them. The gods, observing his behavior, decide to create a rival to challenge him: Enkidu, a being who is half-animal and half-human. Enkidu lives in the wilderness until he is lured into the city, where he encounters Gilgamesh. Their initial meeting culminates in a fierce battle, but neither emerges as the victor. Instead, the clash forges a profound bond of friendship between them.

Overcome with grief, Gilgamesh plunges into a profound existential crisis. He begins to question the purpose of life, haunted by the inevitability of death and the futility it seems to cast over all achievements. Yet, amidst his sorrow, a selfish question arises: how can he achieve immortality? Fearing that future generations will forget his greatness as a king, he embarks on a perilous journey in search of eternal life.

Through this friendship, Gilgamesh begins to evolve from a despotic ruler into a compassionate leader, attentive to the needs of his people. Together, the two embark on thrilling adventures that deepen their connection. They defeat a monstrous forest giant and a divine bull sent from the heavens, emerging victorious in both battles. But their triumphs are short-lived, as tragedy strikes unexpectedly—Enkidu dies.

THE PERFORMANCE

What you will witness as an audience member is the culmination of a five-month empowerment journey. This process began with weekly sessions, gradually increasing in intensity and frequency as the final weeks approached.

In this performance, two distinct groups of "storytellers" take the stage. The first group brings the characters of the Gilgamesh epic to life, embodying their struggles, emotions, and growth. The second group consists of two narrators who step outside the story’s realm, offering a broader perspective. These narrators serve multiple roles: they provide commentary, connect scenes seamlessly, and describe the setting for the audience. Additionally, they enhance the atmosphere, especially during the dramatic monster battles.

Unlike the actors portraying the characters, the narrators grew up with Dutch as their native language, adding an intriguing dynamic to the interplay of perspectives within the performance.

Our Adaptation of Gilgamesh

Our rendition of Gilgamesh draws inspiration from several key sources, including Gilgamesh the Hero: A Babylonian Epic by Geraldine McCaughrean (2002), Gilgamesh by Frank Groothof (2006), and The Epic of Gilgamesh by Theo de Feyter (2001).

The performance spans approximately 90 minutes and concludes at Tablet 6. We look forward to delighting you in the next season with the continuation of this timeless epic in Gilgamesh: Part II!

Enjoy Some Screenshots

Here are a few snapshots that offer a glimpse into the creative journey and captivating moments from the project. These images capture the essence of storytelling, teamwork, and the vibrant energy that brought Gilgamesh to life.

Art Gallery

The stories our grandparents tell about ancient civilizations are both inspiring and imaginative. They entice me to explore archaeological studies, languages, and legends. By embodying these stories through creative work, they awakened the artist within me.

In my artworks, the philosophy of humanity revolves around three interconnected dimensions: space, behavior, and global identity.

The historical connection between these dimensions has shaped me into someone who discovers memory and heritage in every civilization that has passed on this earth. I strive to compress space and time in a technical manner.

Nawras Nahar

1- A WINGED CREATURE:

I dream of little equality between the gods of heaven and us.
This mystery must be solved... The life of an individual feels incomplete, and I miss the question...
Who will I ask about crossing the river..?



Title: Winged Creature
Medium: Mixed Media on Canvas
Size: 116 x 89 CM

3- THE EAGLE:

I will dream... not to fix the wind vehicles or a malfunction that affects memory...
The legend has fallen... Who am I?

Here, every living being is a bird, and I too take flight, for the dream has freed my wings...
To restore what within me has been abandoned... abandoned.

Title: Eagle
Medium: Mixed Media on Canvas
Size: 60 x 70 CM

5- SPHINX:

Had it not been for the dispute over the dates of the resurrection...

I would have been the gatekeeper of Eden... adorned with henna and the scent of incense.

Title: Sphinx
Medium: Mixed Media on Canvas
Size: 50 x 50 CM

2- ANAT:

A girl dressed in fire speaks to me...
She tells me that we are still here, even if time and space are separated...
Perhaps we were never truly apart?

I asked, which of us is the immigrant!?

Title: Anat
Medium: Mixed Media on Canvas
Size: 116 x 89 CM

4- ASCENSION:

In the ascent, I am nothing else.

To the left, an abandoned theater; to the right, a modern city.

During the climb, I renew myself and stand tall like the letter Alif.

Title: Ascension
Medium: Mixed Media on Canvas
Size: 116 x 89 CM

Credits

Directors
Ali Taifour and Emile Schra

Actors
Elia Marjana
Elias Alshoufi
Fatima Khalili
Imad Saffuri
Liva Abdullah Asoo
Majdeddin Salilah
Mudy Mohammad

Narrators
Joep Delsasso
Rukiye Karaaslan

Text Editing/Dramaturgy
Emile Schra

Scenography
Ali Taifour

Photography
Ali Taifour
Alisar Alhasan
Tamer Mukalad

Photo Editing
Ali Taifour
Ann Issac



Composition and Arrangement
Ahmad Islam Altanbi

Live Music Performance
Allam tracks

Costumes
Ali Taifour
Nawras Nahar

Graphic Design
Ali Taifour

Art Gallery
Nawras Nahar

Production
Stichting PassePartout & White Hole Studio

This storytelling project was made possible thanks to financial support from:
VSB Fonds, Fonds Cultuurparticipatie, Haëlla Fonds, Elise Mathilde Fonds, K.F. Heinfonds, and Fentener van Vlissingen Fonds.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to these foundations for their support!

Additionally, several artists contributed selflessly to this empowerment project.

"GILGAMESH, ACCEPT FATE AS IT IS.

THE GODS HAVE RESERVED IMMORTALITY FOR THEMSELVES.

TO US, THEY GAVE DEATH.

ENJOY THE LOVE OF YOUR WIFE.

CHERISH THE CHILD WHO HOLDS YOUR HAND.

TURN EVERY DAY OF YOUR LIFE INTO A CELEBRATION.

THIS IS THE PATH THE GODS HAVE LAID OUT FOR YOU."

(Siduri)