Pagrav Dance Company, renowned for its fusion of tradition and contemporary storytelling, is proud to present the latest work from visionary choreographer Urja Desai Thakore.
Her solo kathak piece, ROOH: Within Her, will grace Sadler’s Wells Lilian Baylis Studio from Wednesday 23 to Friday 25 April, showcasing her dynamic artistry and innovation in one of the UK’s most prestigious venues.
Urja Desai Thakore, celebrated as one of the leading kathak dancers in the UK, has collaborated with internationally acclaimed poet and dramaturg Karthika Nair to craft a narrative exploring tales of female courage and resilience. Anchored in legends, folklore, and family history, ROOH, meaning ‘essence’ in Gujarati, dives into characters whose heroism echoes through time. From the desperate mother of ancient Tamil literature searching the battlefield for her son’s body, to Chaaran Kanya and the fearless folk heroine Heerbai of Gujarati lore who drove away a lion with nothing but her bravery – these stories come alive on stage in a vivid celebration of female strength.
Blending past and present, the production connects these legendary and lesser-known figures to collective and individual experiences that shape our identities today. Speaking on this, Urja Desai Thakore shares, “ROOH: Within Her continues my exploration of kathak as a reflective medium, intertwining tradition with contemporary narratives of identity and femininity. I’ve drawn on literature, folklore, and family stories to articulate buried voices and personal histories through movement.”
The performance resonates with an evocative live score, performed by four talented musicians playing the mridangam, tabla, santoor, flute, and vocals, complemented by konnakol (South Indian vocal percussion). Soundscapes featuring Tamil and Gujarati poetry, family dialogues, and a rich musical composition by Alap Desai further immerse the audience in this multifaceted narrative.
Pagrav Dance Company, founded by Urja Desai Thakore in 2005, celebrates its 20th year as a champion of kathak. The company is dedicated to presenting the classical form in a modern, feminist context while nurturing emerging talent through mentorship and opportunities for creative exploration. With a portfolio of acclaimed works and collaborations with diverse art forms, Pagrav Dance Company continues to invigorate the tradition of kathak, balancing a respect for its rich past with a vision for its future.
ROOH is supported by Arts Council England, Milton Keynes City Council, Sadler’s Wells, South East Dance, SAA-UK, and Gem Arts. Whether you’re a long-time admirer of kathak or discovering the art form for the first time, ROOH promises an evening of soul-stirring storytelling, exquisite movements, and artistic excellence.
See it at Lilian Baylis Studio
Wednesday 23 – Friday 25 April
Tickets from £17
Ticket Office: 020 7863 8000 or www.sadlerswells.com