Presented by Aakash Odedra Company in association with Manchester Camerata

We are delighted to welcome Aakash Odedra Company to the Main Stage with Songs of the Bulbul, a captivating new dance work inspired by the Sufi myth of a caged songbird.

Featuring choreography by Rani Khanam and music by Rushil Ranjan, this exquisite performance blends Sufi Kathak, orchestral and Indian classical traditions, and Islamic poetry.

Tracing a journey from freedom to captivity and the soul’s longing for divine love, Songs of the Bulbul explores whether we, like the caged bird, remain bound to the material world or soar towards liberation and enlightenment.

In association with Manchester Camerata and presented in Oxford with Oxford Festival of the Arts.