Aakash Odedra Company: Songs of the Bulbul

We are proud to present Songs of Bulbul, a captivating new dance performance by Aakash Odedra inspired by the ancient Sufi myth of a caged songbird, in collaboration with the Oxford Playhouse.
Featuring choreography by Rani Khanam and music by Rushil Ranjan, this exquisite performance is an immersive dialogue between the intense physicality of Kathak and the spiritual journey of Sufism, merging music, dance, and poetry traditions, renowned for precise rhythm and storytelling. Nightingales, or ‘bulbuls’, hold a special place in Persian culture, with their song representing a spiritual seeker, yearning for union with the divine. Their passionate songs are often directed towards the rose, symbolising both earthly beauty and the divine beloved, and highlighting the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. The beauty of this songbird’s melody serves as a metaphor for the fleeting moments of dance and an artist’s life.
You can see this beautiful performance on 2 July, 7.30pm at Oxford Playhouse.