OBSERVER: Songs of the Bulbul


Songs of The Bulbul is a masterclass in Kathak Dance woven with Sufi story telling.
The hour-long solo performance of Aakash Odedra at the Playhouse Theatre fascinates from the outset.
He performs the dynamic choreography of Rani Khanam with expertise and exacting precision.
The story of the Bulbul or Nightingale is brilliantly portrayed and cleverly interwoven with a combination of contemporary and folk dance moves.
Enthralling music composed by Rushil Ranjan using vocals by Sarthak Kalyani and Abi Sampa, is performed by Manchester Camerata.
The set is an intricate part of the story. The set design by Emanuele Salamanca features a wall of candles, suspended poles and thousands of red petals.
The petals swirled as Aakash twirled endlessly, creating a subterfuge of movement as if the petals had a life of their own.
This was a mesmerising dance performance featuring defined lighting effects by designer, Fabiana Piccioli and special effects of silk cloth, finger-lights and smoke. The dress worn by Aakash added movement and life to his nightingale persona and was designed by Kanika Thakur.
Opening night was well attended and a must-see for dance lovers the next time Aakash Odedra and his company tour to Australia.
Review by Lyn Hurst