Dates:
Mon 13 Jul 2026 7:30pm
Running time: 1.5 hours (No Interval)
Age:
Tickets: £15.00
About
GemArts Masala Festival 10th Anniversary launches with a stunning new dance production by internationally acclaimed Kathak artist Gaurav Bhatti – Bulleh Shah: Seeker of Light.
Working at the intersection of North Indian classical Kathak and contemporary dance, Gaurav Bhatti is renowned for his virtuosic style, blending explosive energy, striking theatricality and deeply expressive storytelling. In this compelling new solo, he draws on the life and poetry of the 18th-century Sufi mystic Bulleh Shah, a defining voice of Punjabi Sufism who challenged authority and championed tolerance in a time of deep division.
Bulleh Shah: Seeker of Light reimagines this powerful legacy for today’s world. Weaving Kathak with Punjabi folk traditions and contemporary movement. Bhatti brings a bold, modern sensibility to the spiritual and poetic essence of Punjabi Sufism—celebrating a timeless message of unity, love and humanity while honouring the rich artistic heritage of Punjab.
Set against a dynamic soundscape rooted in North Indian classical music and layered with modern electronic textures, this visually and emotionally arresting performance is a striking celebration of culture, identity and connection.
Presented by GemArts and Dance City
GemArts award-winning Masala Festival returns from 13th – 19th July for its 10th Anniversary, bringing a vibrant mix and blend of the finest South Asian arts and culture to the North East. Enjoy an incredible programme of performances, exhibitions, events, workshops, talks, pop-ups, and of course, delicious Indian food in venues, places and spaces across the region. Don’t miss this special milestone year!
For the full Masala Festival 2026 programme, visit: www.gemarts.org
Collaborators
Concept, Dance & Choreography : Gaurav Bhatti
Mentor: Aditi Mangaldas
Lighting Designer: Ryan Stafford
Set Designer: Manish Kansara
Costume Designer: Muhammad Alamgir
Music Composed and Arranged by: Rushil Ranjan & Max Guthrie
Dramaturg: Saattvic
Indian Classical Music Rendition: Sami Ullah Khan
Musicians:
Sami Ullah Khan, Faraz Ahmed and Harman Singh (Vocal)
Mohit Gangani (Tabla) | Ashish Gangani (Pakhawaj) | Amir Ahmed (Saarangi)
Bhanu Sisodia (Dhaama) | Sunny Shishodiya (Padhant)
Rehearsal Director: Aamrapali Bhandari and Gaurav Shridhar
Production Manager / Technical Director: Christopher Flux
Management: New Works
Poetry: Baba Bulleh Shah
Residency support: Dance City (Newcastle, UK), The Dance Centre (Vancouver, Canada),
Shed 9 (India), Aditi Mangaldas Dance Company-The Drishtikon Dance Foundation
(Delhi, India) and Aakash Odedra Company (Leicester, UK)
Public Funders: Canada Council for the Arts, BC Arts Council, City of Vancouver.
Production: Gaurav Bhatti Dance Company
Videography and Editor: Adarsh Prathap
Special Thanks to: Victoria Bell, Hannah Boothman, Out Innerspace Dance Theatre, and
family and friends who helped make this production.
Working at the intersection of North Indian classical Kathak and contemporary dance, Gaurav Bhatti is renowned for his virtuosic style, blending explosive energy, striking theatricality and deeply expressive storytelling. In this compelling new solo, he draws on the life and poetry of the 18th-century Sufi mystic Bulleh Shah, a defining voice of Punjabi Sufism who challenged authority and championed tolerance in a time of deep division.
Bulleh Shah: Seeker of Light reimagines this powerful legacy for today’s world. Weaving Kathak with Punjabi folk traditions and contemporary movement. Bhatti brings a bold, modern sensibility to the spiritual and poetic essence of Punjabi Sufism—celebrating a timeless message of unity, love and humanity while honouring the rich artistic heritage of Punjab.
Set against a dynamic soundscape rooted in North Indian classical music and layered with modern electronic textures, this visually and emotionally arresting performance is a striking celebration of culture, identity and connection.
Presented by GemArts and Dance City
GemArts award-winning Masala Festival returns from 13th – 19th July for its 10th Anniversary, bringing a vibrant mix and blend of the finest South Asian arts and culture to the North East. Enjoy an incredible programme of performances, exhibitions, events, workshops, talks, pop-ups, and of course, delicious Indian food in venues, places and spaces across the region. Don’t miss this special milestone year!
For the full Masala Festival 2026 programme, visit: www.gemarts.org
Collaborators
Concept, Dance & Choreography : Gaurav Bhatti
Mentor: Aditi Mangaldas
Lighting Designer: Ryan Stafford
Set Designer: Manish Kansara
Costume Designer: Muhammad Alamgir
Music Composed and Arranged by: Rushil Ranjan & Max Guthrie
Dramaturg: Saattvic
Indian Classical Music Rendition: Sami Ullah Khan
Musicians:
Sami Ullah Khan, Faraz Ahmed and Harman Singh (Vocal)
Mohit Gangani (Tabla) | Ashish Gangani (Pakhawaj) | Amir Ahmed (Saarangi)
Bhanu Sisodia (Dhaama) | Sunny Shishodiya (Padhant)
Rehearsal Director: Aamrapali Bhandari and Gaurav Shridhar
Production Manager / Technical Director: Christopher Flux
Management: New Works
Poetry: Baba Bulleh Shah
Residency support: Dance City (Newcastle, UK), The Dance Centre (Vancouver, Canada),
Shed 9 (India), Aditi Mangaldas Dance Company-The Drishtikon Dance Foundation
(Delhi, India) and Aakash Odedra Company (Leicester, UK)
Public Funders: Canada Council for the Arts, BC Arts Council, City of Vancouver.
Production: Gaurav Bhatti Dance Company
Videography and Editor: Adarsh Prathap
Special Thanks to: Victoria Bell, Hannah Boothman, Out Innerspace Dance Theatre, and
family and friends who helped make this production.
