Our brand new production, Songs of the Bulbul, will have its world premiere at the Edinburgh International Festival on the 9th of August.
Songs of the Bulbul is a solo work created for our artistic director Aakash Odedra by the Sufi Kathak choreographer Rani Khanam. The production is inspired by the ancient Sufi myth of a bulbul, or nightingale captured and held in captivity. The bird was bound ever closer and slowly perished through despair, singing more sweetly as its end drew nearer, until it uttered one final, heart breaking and piercingly beautiful song just before it departed the mortal world. Rooted in the expansive music, dance, and poetry traditions of Sufism, this new work by two of the most outstanding Sufi Kathak artists performing in the world today emerges as a sensitive dialogue between the ferocious physicality of Kathak and the spiritual journey of Sufism, a path seeking unity with the Divine.
The music, composed by Rushil Ranjan, seamlessly blends orchestral and Indian Classical tradition. The music will be played in recording by the orchestra of Manchester Camerata.
Songs of the Bulbul is on at the Edinburgh International Festival on 9-11 August 2024.
You can book your tickets by visiting the What’s On page on our website.
