An evening of talks, film and song to celebrate Rustaveli

British Georgian Society and the Royal Asiatic Society are delighted to announce an evening of talks, film and song on October 30th to mark 100 years since the publication of the first English Translation of the epic Georgian poem ‘A Man in a Panther’s Skin’ by the 12th century poet Shota Rustaveli.

Our programme centres on song which still thrives today amongst Georgia’s cultural traditions.

6.45pm – Welcome by RAS Director Alison Ohta.
7.00pm – Introduction to Georgian music by Tamta Turmanidze (Leader of UK based Georgian Choirs Maspindzeli and Tabuni)
7.15pm – Screening of the film ‘Songs of Georgia’ directed by Jason Osborn
8.00pm – Talk by Robert Parsons who narrated the film, will speak and reflect on contemporary Georgia
8.30pm – Questions followed by Georgian wine and snacks provided by Little Georgia restaurant and music by Maspindzeli Choir

The film ‘Songs of Georgia’ features some of the finest musicians in different regional communities in the Caucasus and explores a culture deeply rooted in the daily lives of the people. Despite an often harsh and precarious existence, a feast is nearly always on offer and a new generation performs the songs and dances of their ancestors. All the music for the film was recorded on location by the BBC World Routes team and narrated by Robert Parsons, who was amazed, when he first went to Georgia, that nearly every family he visited could sing traditional Georgian songs in complex harmonies.
We are very pleased that Robert will be with us for the evening and will speak after the film. He first went to Georgia in the 1980s and has since become one of the most respected and knowledgeable journalists to cover Georgia. He is currently international affairs editor at France24 TV and recently spent 18 months in Tbilisi as head of the independent Georgian channel Kanal PIK TV.

The event is free and everybody is welcome! For directions to the Society please visit the RAS website or for more information contact info@royalasiaticsociety.org