Naksha: A Double Bill by Tanveer Alam at Aga Khan Museum
July 11 – 12, 2025
Aga Khan Museum
A rare opportunity awaits Kathak aficionados this summer as the Aga Khan Museum presents Naksha: A Double Bill by Tanveer Alam, set to unfold in the tranquil open-air Courtyard on July 11 and July 12, 2025, both evenings at 8 pm. This innovative two-part work invites audiences to engage with classical and contemporary interpretations of Kathak—India’s dynamic northern dance-drama form.
What to Expect
- Traditional Kathak by Tanveer Alam
The first act features Alam himself, both choreographer and performer, celebrating Kathak’s exuberance through intricate footwork, rhythmic spins and emotive storytelling. His performance is supported by a live ensemble comprising:- Ramona Sylvan on tabla
- Gandhaar Amin performing bansuri (Indian bamboo flute)
- Daksh Raj providing vocals
- Sukriti Sharma delivering padhant—the rhythmic recitation typical to Kathak
- Contemporary Response Inspired by Islamic Geometry
Shifting gears, the evening moves into a collaborative ensemble piece featuring dancers Rohee Uberoi, Purawai Vyas, Ranganathan Rajan, and Surej Surendra. These artists explore themes of clarity, repetition and layered complexity—mirroring the geometric elegance of the Museum’s courtyard. The piece, developed alongside dramaturg Padmini Chettur and sound designer Roshin Shabu, intertwines choreography with a recorded soundscape by Abbas Janmohammed, Sapna Udara Rajapaksha, and Thanura Madhugeeth.
Artist Talk & Rain Plan
Attendees of the Friday, July 11, performance are invited to a pre-show artist talk from 7:00–7:45 pm, offering insights into Tanveer Alam’s creative process, his interpretation of ornamentation, and how it translates to movement.
As the performance is staged outdoors, a backup rain date has been set for Sunday, July 13, 2025, ensuring the show proceeds regardless of the weather(agakhanmuseum.org).
🎟 Tickets & Practical Info
- Price: $40 (Regular), $36 (Friends), $30 (Students & Seniors)
- Runtime: 60 minutes (no intermission)
- Includes same-day museum admission, allowing exploration of exhibitions such as As the Sun Appears from Beyond.
About Tanveer Alam
Toronto-based, Alam began his Kathak journey under Sudeshna Maulik and Sandhya Desai, before graduating from the Dance Arts Institute of Canada. He has collaborated with artists such as Lata Pada and performed internationally at prestigious festivals. His recent choreographic works include Salaam Rahman and Ibaadat.
Naksha fuses tradition and experimentation into a compelling Kathak experience, framed by the Aga Khan Museum’s artfully designed setting. Whether you’re drawn by classical rhythm or contemporary nuance, this double bill promises a deep sensory immersion into dance, music and geometric motifs. Secure your spot and prepare to navigate the patterns of movement, space and sound.