Review: Sound, motion of dervishes' quest riveting
By John Pitcher
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER
Published Thursday August 13, 2009
The 13th-century Persian mystic Rumi is probably best known in the West for his poetry.
His voluminous verse — with its ecumenical call for peace, love and tolerance — has become a mainstay on the New York Times best-seller list. Even Madonna is a fan.
The Whirling Dervishes of Rumi, in town Wednesday for a performance at the Rose Theater, are among the mystic's most devoted followers. Their vertiginous twirling turns Rumi's verse into action: They constantly turn toward the truth and in the process achieve a state of spiritual ecstasy. Their appearance, sponsored by the Niagara Foundation of Nebraska, was part of a Midwest tour.
According to legend, Rumi chanced by a goldsmith shop one day and began whirling to the rhythm of the hammers. What began as a spontaneous swirl has now become part of an elaborate ritual. That centuries-old ceremony was played out beautifully at the Rose...
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Famous dancers engaged in religious ritual
By John Pitcher
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER
Published Thursday August 6, 2009
Legend has it that the 13th-century Persian poet Rumi chanced by
a goldsmith shop one day and began whirling to the rhythm of the
hammers. The order of the Whirling Dervishes was born.
Next week, some of the great Islamic poet’s spiritual descendants — the
Whirling Dervishes of Rumi — will appear at the Rose Theater. The
group, sponsored by the Niagara Foundation of Nebraska, will perform in
several Midwest cities. The tour will culminate with an appearance at
the Turkish World Festival in Chicago later in the month...
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If you go: Whirling Dervishes of Rumi
By John Pitcher
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER
Published Thursday August 6, 2009
What: Whirling Dervishes of Rumi perform ritual dance dating from the 13th century
When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam St.
Tickets: $20 to $40; call 345-4849