The Show Goes On Despite the War: A Firsthand Account

We know that, unfortunately, the world is plagued by many wars. Whether armed or “cold,” conflicts are everywhere; tensions are high, and the first victims are, as a rule, children. Sahba Aminikia is an Iranian-American composer who has faced the challenge of creating art in a country where religious influence has become very strong. Yet his interactions with other artists have been formative and a source of hope.

For years, he had wanted to do this, and in 2018, while visiting a conflict zone near the Syrian border, he put on performances for the people—and especially for the children—who were in desperate need of them, despite the fear of mortar fire and other dangers. So he founded “Flying Carpet,” a troupe capable of traveling all over the world—to cities as well as small, isolated villages—to offer not only performances but also workshops. This allows children to experience music, circus arts, puppetry, and more.

Through this sharing of art, the composer believes it is possible to reconnect people with a lost spirituality and a shared sense of purpose, where political, racial, and cultural divides diminish. Perhaps the key to reconciliation lies in giving ourselves the opportunity to create, to express ourselves, and to learn from one another.

Duration: 5 min 34 sec