The globally acclaimed UK choreographer and dancer Aakash Odedra returns to Australian stages this February 2026 with his award-winning masterpiece, Songs of the Bulbul. Fresh from winning the Best Show Award at the Edinburgh International Festival, this breathtaking solo performance will captivate audiences at Arts Centre Melbourne before heading to the Perth Festival.
A Spiritual Fusion of Kathak and Sufi Myth
Songs of the Bulbul is a profound exploration of the soul’s journey, blending the rhythmic precision of Kathak dance with the mystical depth of Sufi storytelling. Inspired by the ancient myth of a captive nightingale (the bulbul), the work serves as a heartbreaking metaphor for the fleeting nature of life and the pursuit of divine love.
As the bird faces its final moments, its song becomes sweeter—a “mesmerising tour de force” that navigates the tension between the physical constraints of the world and the ultimate spiritual release. 
World-Class Collaborations
Developed alongside choreographer Rani Khanam and composer Rushil Ranjan, the production features an ambitious score that weaves together Sufi poetry and contemporary sounds. Odedra, a Bessie Award winner, continues to push the boundaries of British Asian contemporary dance, seamlessly fusing classical Indian forms with modern athletic intensity.
2026 Australian Tour Dates
- Melbourne: 3 – 7 February 2026 at The Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne.
- Perth: 13 – 15 February 2026 at Perth Festival.
Presented by Far & Away Productions, this tour marks a triumphant return for the Aakash Odedra Company, following their previous Australian successes with Samsara and Little Murmur. Don’t miss this ferocious yet contemplative meditation on freedom and the human spirit.
Bookings: https://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/whats-on/2026/dance/songs-of-the-bulbul
