One of our finest Malhaar collaborations, Haaye Akhtari in 2015 was a grand success. We are happy to bring it to you once again this October in Dubai.
A signature blend of Hindustani Classical Music, Dance, and
the Theatre, the show will feature Begum Akhtar’s most famous ghazals, thumris,
and dadras. We will have a unique fusion of Kathak and Bharatnatyam in some of
the pieces as well as the theatrical representation of Begum Akhtar’s journey
from a precocious young talent to the Queen of Ghazals.
Begum Akhtar’s story is a window into a period of great transition in the musical history of the Indian subcontinent, influenced as it was by the turbulent times in which it was set; spanning both the wars, the Indian freedom struggle and its aftermath. In such times of great upheaval, the insatiable quest of every artist for excellence is further mitigated by a constant struggle to preserve cultural and artistic integrity.
For Begum Akhtar’s own art, this
was encapsulated in one word: Taaseer. It is a fascinating word and has several
connotations. As explained to her by one of her early mentors, Ustad Ata Khan
Saheb, the word implied ‘soulful singing’. The word can also be used to convey
efficacy, or the manifestation of an expression, a sigh. It can be used to
convey execution, performance, and even intended consequence. And finally,
perhaps tellingly, it means the impression left on the mind.
Begum Akhtar’s life is a journey in search of this elusive Taaseer. To put this in context consider that she started performing as a singer in her pre-teens and went on to star on stage and screen. She became one of the most successful recording artists of the pre-independence era. And yet her most powerful, genre establishing accomplishments came post-independence, in the twilight of her career. I like to think that this was when she finally found Taaseer. And therefore in the context of this show, Taaseer is the pinnacle of artistic achievement; the soul of the artist.
In a world obsessed with the here and now, with immediate gratification, the show provides a sense of the lifelong strife it can be to truly achieve the pinnacle of artistic achievement.
Haaye Akhtari opens on Saturday the 28th of October 2023 7:30 p.m. at the Emirates Theatre, Jumeirah. Tickets on Platinumlist. Please also see these articles on CurtainRaiser and in Khaleej Times.
See you there!
