South Asian classical dance takes centre stage in Amina Khayyam’s ONE | BIRD double bill.

'One' tells contemporary stories of migrants tarnished by media and politicians, spreading 'fear for those risking their lives to make a better future'. 

Opening with a silent scream, 'Bird' poses a question that crosses the mind of many women stuck in abusive relationships: 'Where will I go?' and 'Will anyone believe me?'. 

High energy Kathak weaves the story to a specially commissioned live music score by Jonathan Mayer featuring Sohini Alam on vocals and Debasish Mukherjee on tabla. 

'Bird' won the Lustrum Award at Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2023. 

Artistic Director Amina Khayyam said: “After the success of these pieces at Edinburgh Festival Fringe, I am excited to tour them across the UK this year and bring them to new audiences. 

“BIRD started in a workshop with a women’s community group where a participant asked “What happens to a woman when she runs away from domestic abuse?”. In BIRD we explore the social stigma for women in such a situation.

“ONE explores the human trait to cross continents to survive or better ourselves, yet the words ‘migrants’, ‘foreigners’ and ‘refugees’ are words tarnished ‘dirty’ and ‘negative’ by the media and harboured by politicians for political gain. 

“These stories are forever relevant but seem even more so in current times. The pieces tell these stories with the compassion and energy of Kathak and the power of the original live music.”

Amina Khayyam Dance Company (AKDC) makes touring dance theatre work using the South Asian dance Kathak as the core narrative. 

It has a focus on the marginalised female voice – developing ideas for performances from the dance workshops produced with women’s groups in Luton, Slough, Woking, East London and Birmingham.

Venue: Birmingham Hippodrome, Patrick Studio
Date: 28-29 February 2024
Tickets are on sale here
Visit https://aminakhayyamdance.co.uk for further information