OUR MISSION: Bridging the Divide

In an era where humanity is overwhelmed by information and possibilities, there is a profound disconnect with the ware kern van het zijn (true core of existence). Dissatisfaction, ailments, and a feeling of emptiness often stem from this gap between ‘who we truly are’ and ‘who we are conditioned to think we are’.
Stichting Fara Tekan Nursu (established in June 2022 in the Nederlanden) is the fountain committed to closing this gap. We offer a valuable portal for creating a fruitful world, in connection with our deepest being. We achieve this by integrating ancient wisdom with contemporary art techniques (film, performing arts, multidisciplinary performances, and training) to restore balance, health, and true joy of life. Our philosophy is rooted in wisdom, but executed with a fresh, current perspective, aligned with the modern cultural climate.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Guide to Light and Unity

LUMINARA is the name for FARA TEKAN NURSU’s ongoing programmes and serves as the pilot for our upcoming large-scale projects. LUMINARA embodies the mission to spread the seeds of a fulfilling life, light, and ancient wisdom.
It is a dynamic stream of transcendent performances, workshops, and trainings that, through mastery of stage and visual art combined with specialized skills, create a new space. The performances utilize modern artistic and technological means to create collective experiments and guide the ‘inner leap of humanity’.
LUMINARA is the path to liberation and unity on earth, in line with our stichtingsdoelen (foundation goals): promoting unification of art and wisdom in a manner relevant to the modern audience.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

OUR METHOD & PRACTICE

The Fara Tekan Nursu Flow-Method is the process-oriented approach and fundamental inspiration for the LUMINARA project, developed by Sara Behrad and Farhad Foroutanian.

Core Principles / Kernprincipes Description
Authenticity and Spontaneity The method departs from intuïtie (intuition), bodily impulses, and spontaneous interaction, without a fixed structure or script. Art must arise from an authentic source, rooted in the reality of the moment.
Timelessness and Presence It invites radical presence in the moment, aiming to release ego, judgement, and control to make space for spontaneous creativity and sensory truth (zintuiglijke waarachtigheid).
Knowledge Carrier The body (het lichaam) is viewed as a knowledge carrier. The method uses movement, breath, and voice to express a deep inner language.
Conceptual Foundation The method is deeply rooted in anciant wisdom (themes like love, surrender, and inner transformation), serving as an ‘inner compass’ for creating collective and meaningful experiences.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

LUMINARA: The Living Laboratory

LUMINARA is the experimental, artistic research programme and ‘living laboratory’ that puts the Fara Tekan Nursu Flow-Method into practice.

• LIVING CREATION: LUMINARA creates a transcendental/multidisciplinary stage where art is not reproduced but re-born in the moment through improvisation using dance/impulsive movement, live music, sound, and projection.
• REMOVING BOUNDARIES: It removes false boundaries between maker, performer, and audience. The process begins with attunement with the audience, leading to a ‘momentum’ of high frequency.
• SOCIAL RELEVANCE: The focus is on collective experience and physical expression, engaging with current social and existential themes relevant in a digitally-obsessed society.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

OUR ROOTS: A History of Free Motion 

The foundation is built upon a unique history rooted in the underground performance practice in Iran, where founders Sara Behrad and Farhad Foroutanian developed their vision:

• Live Theatre Academy (2014, Tehran): After their Master’s studies in Nederland, Sara and Farhad founded this academy—a crucial, though constrained, space where performance and visual art were combined to train young artists.

• FARA TEKAN & Free Motion (2016): The core concept FARA TEKAN emerged here. These were intimate, improvised performances—stille rituelen van verzet (silent rituals of resistance).

Sara’s work with movement and dance, known as Free Motion, circumvented the dance ban through collaborations with the Nederlandse ambassade (Dutch Embassy), instilling in the foundation the mentality of the right to free expressions.

In 2019, Sara and Farhad relocated to the Nederlanden to internationalize the FARA TEKAN-Method and the LUMINARA projects, and to spread their free, open artistic practice globally.

———————————————————————————————————————————————-

THE TEAM: Artistic Direction & Leadership

Sara Behrad: Space Mover, Flow Leader & Inner Space Facilitator

Sara Behrad (b. 1979, Iran) is a multidisciplinary artist who seamlessly weaves together the boundaries of performance, movement improvisation, and inner wisdom.
After graduating in Acting, Directing, and Scriptwriting from the Theater universiteit of Tehran (1998–2002), she pursued advanced studies in Acting at the Stanislavsky School and earned her Master in Theater from (DASARTS) School in Amsterdam (2012–2014), where her research focused on exploring the unconventional possibilities of the stage.
She is the Co-Founder of Live Theatre Academy(2014).

As the visionary co-founder of the Luminara project—a core initiative under the Fara Tekan Fountain Foundation—Sara views art as a transformative tool for “The alchemy of light within the darkness.”
Her artistic leadership is deeply rooted in her inner source of wisdom, years of spiritual research & experiences, including Vedic traditions, Mantras, Tibetan wisdom, and the science of Jyotish.
Sara perceives movement and dance as the fundamental essence of the human experience—a path to achieving inner balance and touching the liberation of one’s potential.
By focusing on the synergy of resonance, intuition, and the power of silence, she facilitates workshops and improvisational stage experiences that manifest the “unity of being.”
Through Luminara, she creates a sacred bridge between body, mind, and soul, guiding others to find their own flow within the darkness.

Farhad Foroutanian: Visual artist & Stage director 

Farhad Foroutanian (b. 1957, Iran) is an experienced theatre maker and concept thinker with a rich international career. After starting as an actor and studying Fine Arts in Tehran, he became a professional visual artist and cartoonist for international publishers, including the Dutch Vrij Nederland and Rotterdams Dagblad. He emigrated to the Nederlanden in 1986, founded ACT Theatre Company, and became a pioneer of Interactief Theater (Interactive Theatre). He co-founded Live Theatre Academy (2014) and FARA TEKAN (2016). Since returning to the Nederlanden in 2019, he focuses on internationalizing the FARA TEKAN-Method through LUMINARA.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

THE BOARD / HET BESTUUR

The Stichting is governed by a Bestuur with diverse and relevant expertise.

Bas van der Schot: Voorzitter (Chair)

As a renowned political cartoonist for publications including de Volkskrant, Bas van der Schot brings sharp social and critical insight. He recognises the urgent need to close the gap between humanity and its core, and actively supports the LUMINARA project as an innovative platform translating profound wisdom into contemporary art forms. He sees the Stichting as a necessary voice advocating for authenticity and unity in a politically divided time.

Maretta Johnson: Secretaris (Secretary)

Is an expert in intercultural communication, diversity, and inclusion, with extensive experience in developing programmes and training for cultural sensitivity and connection (as seen in her work for the Ministerie van Binnenlandse Zaken and the education sector). Maretta is driven by the mission to promote eenheid (unity) and sees LUMINARA as a powerful tool to bring people from different cultures together through shared, sensory experiences. She reinforces the inclusive, cross-border character of the Stichting.

Jan Heerkens: Penningmeester (Treasurer)

Is an experienced strategist and organisation consultant, specializing in managing change processes. With a strong background in the publieke sector (public sector) and education (e.g., Rijksuniversiteit Groningen), he brings vital expertise in policy, strategy, and project management. Jan supports Fara Tekan Nursu in translating its artistic vision into a sustainable, professionally organized practice, ensuring a clear operational course.