Leyla – Ik ben verlangen

The story of Leyla and Majnun

The Arabic legend of Leyla and Majnun dates back to the 7th century and was recorded as a poem in the 12th century by the Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi. In the story, the young poet Qays falls in love with Leyla, but their families forbid their relationship. Qays becomes so obsessed with Leyla that he is given the name Majnun (“the madman”). He withdraws into the desert, where he writes poems about his love for her. Leyla herself is forced to marry another man, yet her love for Majnun endures. In the end, both die without ever truly being together, leaving their love as an enduring symbol of unconditional and impossible passion.

Love as a path to individuality

In Leyla and Majnun, love is not only a transcendent bond between two people, but also a way of attaining individuality and autonomy. At least for Majnun, who, driven by love and despair, creates the most beautiful poetic texts. By standing up for his love in this way, he develops his personality - eventually to the point where he no longer needs Leyla. But what about Leyla? Who is she, and what are her desires? Yurdakul also grants Leyla her individuality. In Leyla – Ik ben verlangen - and in her upcoming musical Leyla and Majnun, Reloaded - she reverses the roles, allowing Leyla to share her own story and desires.