الجزارا فارسی
روایت خاورمیانه 
In the heart of a modern theater at Barbican London, the opera 'Our Eyes Are Turned to God', directed by Renell Shaw and TD Moyo, with a libretto by April Koyejo-Audiger, depicts a bitter and emotional story of the lives of two cousins. This work offers an engaging blend of rap, reggae, and arias, effectively exploring the experiences of Black Britons.
A Story of Sorrow
In this opera, Gamba Koul shines in the role of Adjani, singing with a deep voice: 'No ocean is deep enough to hold the tears of these Black boys.' But is there a genre that can contain these intense emotions and profound stories? 'Our Eyes Are Turned to God' looks to opera as a natural art form in search of this question.
This work, created in 2020 by writer, director, and activist TD Moyo and award-winning composer Renell Shaw, is rooted in Moyo's personal grief over the death of his brother in South London and the global racial anger following the death of George Floyd. Through his storytelling art, Moyo intertwines these two threads in the story of Adjani and Kamal, depicting their final moments of life.
A Bitter and Passionate Experience
Adjani's decision to leave Liverpool for London marks a final night of memories, celebrations, farewells, and violent tragedies for the two cousins. The story begins from the point where these two boys may already be dead before the main narrative starts. This tragic and emotional sense undoubtedly adds depth to the feelings in this work, prompting the audience to reflect on social and racial issues.
Ultimately, 'Our Eyes Are Turned to God' is not just an opera but a social alarm aimed at drawing attention to the overlooked experiences of Black Britons. Can this work push the boundaries of genre and become the voice of these young people? Only time will tell.
