The acclaimed British South Asian choreographer has long examined intersections of culture, tradition and artistic expression. In his latest solo piece, he draws on an ancient Sufi tale to create a deeply personal exploration of grief, performance and belonging.
The work runs at Sadler’s Wells East from July 7 to 11. It combines Kathak technique, Sufi ideas, live music and reflections on mortality. Created with choreographer Rani Khanam and composer Rushil Ranjan, the production follows the story of a captive nightingale whose song grows most beautiful near its end.
The artist described the piece as an attempt to live an entire lifetime on stage through birth, curiosity, captivity and release. He noted that the narrative emerged during a time of personal loss and that the work is dedicated to his late mother.
Collaboration with Khanam encouraged greater emphasis on subtlety and emotional detail rather than speed. The score blends Indian classical music, qawwali and orchestral elements. The production invites audiences to sit with themes of beauty, captivity and transcendence rather than expect conventional dance.
