For many, International Women’s Day is not the celebration it should be. In Iran, women and girls are currently struggling against legally enshrined gender inequality and discrimination. Following the death of Masha Jina Amini in police custody, the girls and women of the Woman-Life-Freedom movement in Iran have courageously and peacefully demonstrated for their fundamental human rights. Protests have been met by fierce and fatal reprisals by authorities.

On International Women’s Day 2023, experimental duo ZÖJ will perform There is no celebration here, a dark, romantic and poetic improvisation at Counihan Gallery against the backdrop of exhibitions by Iranian born artists Setareh Hosseini and Sofi Basseghi, and Burmese artist Shwe Wutt Hmon, whose practices bring these human rights into focus. ZÖJ, meaning ‘couple’ in Farsi, are the duo of acclaimed Iranian singer and kamancheh player Gelareh Pour and drummer Brian O’Dwyer who began collaborating in 2017 and have since developed a reputation for their deeply moving, experimental and free form music.

They come to the Brunswick Music Festival following performances at Womadelaide and MONA FOMA in 2022.

ZÖJ are: Gelareh Pour - Kamancheh/Voice Brian O'Dwyer - Drum kit

Presented in partnership with the Counihan Gallery.

Limited capacity - bookings are essential.