What does freedom mean for women today? Qaqnas is a powerful, musical ode to that question. In this new opera, voice, electronics and resistance take centre stage. Inspired by the slogan ‘Jin, Jiyan, Azadî’ (‘woman, life, freedom’) – originating in the Kurdish women’s movement and now known worldwide as a rallying cry against oppression, patriarchy and state violence – Qaqnas reveals just how fragile freedom can be.

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Photographer: Bowie Verschuuren