YAATRA takes its title from Sanskrit for a journey or pilgrimage.
The sensational, striking performer, Jaivant Patel presents a new dance production called YAATRA by Jaivant Patel Dance. The UK tour starts in London at Tara Theatre, London on Thursday 17th October and ends on Thursday 28th November at Déda, Derby. Shows starts at 7.30pm
PRESS NIGHT for YAATRA is Thursday 17 October, 7.30pm at
Tara Theatre, London
YAATRA is a captivating bill of Kathak and British Contemporary dance. Kathak is an Indian classical dance form, the principles and aesthetics of which influence Jaivant Patel’s work, along with British contemporary dance.
‘Sexuality and spirituality fused in hypnotic movement in Jaivant Patel’s solo show’ Metro
Rooted in Jaivant’s experience as a British Indian homosexual, the performance offers an exciting new perspective on South Asian LGBTQ+ narratives, faith and spirituality. The evening celebrates two cultures and the intersectionality of living in one, while paying tribute to traditions, heritage and exploring often untold stories of the other.
The production starts with AWAKENING which uses Kathak dance in collaboration with choreographer Nahid Siddiqui. The piece looks at the gender binaries and gender fluidity present within the iconography of Indian mythology. The evening continues with YAATRA, choreographed by Jaivant Patel. Using his life experiences as a gay man of British Indian heritage, the piece is an exploration of his personal faith when entering existing spaces of traditional worship paralleled with the spiritual spaces he has chosen to create for himself.
‘We are really excited to be taking YAATRA and sharing it nationally as a production that seeks to ask relevant questions about important contemporary issues, coming from the fresh perspective and life experience of the South Asian LGBTQ+ community. As a gay man, I feel passionate about the importance of sharing narratives from the South Asian LGBTQ+ and other marginalised communities that are rarely exposed. The multi-layered production also looks at my experiences in contemporary and traditional religious spaces. The show has something for everyone and I am confident of the positive impact it will have on audiences.’
Jaivant Patel, performer and Artistic Director
