Based on an ancient tale as poignant and beautiful as Romeo and Juliet, Layla and Majnun tells a passionate story of tragic love. When a young man's zealous feelings for his childhood love Layla earn him the nickname Majnun, or "possessed," his perceived madness turns their would-be union into scandal, misfortune, and eternal longing.

Performances: March 22-24, 7:30pm and Mar 24 at 1:30pm

Mark Morris Dance Group and The Silk Road Ensemble, with Azerbaijani mugham vocalists Alim Qasimov and Fargana Qasimova, perform in the premiere performances of Layla and Majnun, at lead commissioner Cal Performances, Berkeley, California.