Iraqw Girayda

Turning Points


When Girayda is started by one performer, after ten or twenty lines the other of the two takes over. The opponent taking the turn is often negotiated, but almost never a problem. Hesitation, little (new) content or a member of the audience asking who’s turn it is, are all signs or options for the two performers to change from singer to receiver or the other way around. It is not uncommon that one poet has averagely longer turns and it is easier for the elder poet to interrupt the younger.