The UK premiere of what is being billed as London’s first Anglo Punjabi Sufi musical, Ishq will be performed in English at London’s Sadler’s Wells in September.
Timed to mark 70 years of Pakistan independence, the collaboration between Pakistani and British artists will celebrate unity, diversity and Pakistani culture within the UK.
Brought to the stage by the award-winning Pakistan-based production and communications company Serendip and set against the vibrant backdrop of the Punjab, the lavish new musical will feature specially commissioned music and choreography from across Pakistan and the UK.
With a title taken from the Arabic for love and based on source material that is more than 600 years old, Ishq is a tale of feuding families and star-crossed young lovers that holds a similar place in Punjabi literature as the story of Romeo and Juliet.
Opening at the London venue on Thursday 7 September, the production will play evening performances on each day with an extra afternoon performance on the Saturday.
Announcing details of the production, Serendip’s managing director of Huma Beg said: “Serendip is honoured to have been invited by the Pakistan High Commission to put together an event that will be a fitting tribute to Pakistan and its cultural legacy that has yet to be presented centrestage in the world’s greatest capital, London.”
The production’s director Farooq Beg added: “This musical is not just a romance but it is a co-creation of Eastern and Western talent to create new sounds and moves, something that so symbolises Britain of today.”
Angela Thomas
SHARE THIS POST:
Comments are closed.