Hortus Malabaricus, Musical

A Musical Hortus Malabaricus reimagines the renowned seventeenth-century encyclopaedia as a dynamic, multisensory live performance that weaves together sound, imagery, and storytelling. Through a fusion of music, spoken word, and projected visuals, the performance highlights the intricate histories of the Hortus Malabaricus. It brings to life the rich botanical illustrations, multilingual texts, and ancient knowledge, making them relevant for today's audience. An ensemble of esteemed Dutch and Indian musicians performs, blending Western jazz with Indian musical traditions, which opens up avenues for improvisation, dialogue, and exploration. This performance not only honors the spirit of intercultural collaboration that was integral to the original volumes but also transforms a historical archive into a vibrant contemporary artistic experience. The event is made possible with the support of the Embassy and Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.