ISHQ
Sadler’s Wells, Rosebery Ave, Islington, London EC1R 4TN
Thursday 7th – Saturday 9th September 2017
This September will see the UK premiere of brand new Sufi musical, ISHQ, which will be performed in English at Sadler’s Wells to mark 70 years of Pakistan’s independence.
Originally penned more than 600 years ago by the immortal Sufi Saint Waris Shah, ISHQ will feature specially commissioned music and choreography from across Pakistan and the UK. This is the love story that shook a patriarchal society, putting the empowerment of women centre stage.
ISHQ tells the tale of two lovers and their feuding families and holds the same place in Punjabi literature as Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. This exciting musical spectacle will feature a combination of classical and modern dance with a unique blend of poetry and fusion music.
Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Punjab, ISHQ is a collaboration between Pakistani and British artists which will celebrate unity, diversity and Pakistani culture within the UK.
SERENDIP’s Managing Director Huma Beg comments, 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 centre stage in the world’s greatest capital, London.
ISHQ’s Director Farooq Beg says, This musical is not just a romance but is a co-creation of Eastern and Western talent to create new sounds and moves, something that so symbolises Britain of today.