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.
Performance Dates Thursday 7th – Saturday 9th September 2017
Thursday - Saturday, 7.30pm
Saturday, 2.30pm
Running time 120 minutes (including interval)
Facebook @ishqthemusical
Twitter @ishqthemusical
Producer Huma Beg
Director Farooq Beg
Playwright Mushfiq Murshed
Lyricists Farooq Beg, Owen Smith and Ian Brandon
Composer (UK) Ian Brandon
Composer (Pakistan) Emu (Fuzon)
Choreographer and Dramaturg Owen Smith
Choreographer (Pakistan) Suhaee Abro
Associate Producer Tara Finney
Set Designer, Projections and Lighting Declan Randall
Orchestrator Lawrence Michalowski
Choir Manager Gemma Eves
Music Advisor and Flutist Kansia Pritchard
Notes Ages 12+
Location Sadler’s Wells, Rosebery Ave, Islington, London EC1R 4TN
How to get there The theatre is a short walk from Angel underground station (Northern Line), Islington. The nearest mainline station is Kings Cross station.
Box Office Tickets are available priced from £20.
Available from www.sadlerswells.com and 020 7863 8000.
SERENDIP Productions Ltd.
SERENDIP, Pakistan’s leading production and communications company, and pioneers of development communications, was established in 1997. They are veterans at using drama for behaviour change and their award winning producers have tackled challenging and diverse issues facing Asian populations both in the UK and Pakistan with dramas, both on film and live theatre.
SERENDIP have explored issues including disability, gender, consanguineous marriages, sexual abuse, and racial harassment. They have won numerous awards, and became the producers of the first ever foreign language film to win the coveted Grand Prix at the IVCA awards in London for one of the earliest films to tackle HIV and Aids.
SERENDIP theatre productions are known for their innovation and bold approach. Recent productions include the widely acclaimed ‘Sound n Light live drama extravaganzas’ at World Heritage sites. These shows were internationally recognised and have provided a source of sustainable income for poorer artists and aided the preservation of these sites.
70th Anniversary of Pakistan’s Independence
In 1947 Pakistan was carved out of undivided India under British rule. The country has since emerged as a dynamic young nation and this year celebrates 70 years of independence and Pakistan-UK relations. To commemorate this, ISHQ will celebrate the rich and diverse heritage and culture of Pakistan.
Sadler’s Wells
Sadler’s Wells is a world-leading creative organisation dedicated to dance in all its forms. With over three centuries of theatrical heritage and a year-round programme of performances and learning activities, its goal is to motivate everyone to experience dance – to take part, learn, experiment and be inspired. Audiences of over half a million come to Sadler’s Wells’ London theatres each year, with many more enjoying its touring productions at partner venues across the UK and around the world, or accessing its content through digital channels.
