Mehek

Patrick Lay at Birmingham Hippodrome – Tuesday 9^th April 2024

Mehek at Birmingham Hippodrome is a co-production and performance by the Aakash Odedra Company and Aditi Mangaldas Dance Company which ran for 70 minutes without an interval. 

It is a love story which is told through the medium of dance rather than the spoken word and the dance routines portrayed the love story which unfolded between them.

The backdrop of the stage performance contained many different sized triangular mirrors which were used throughout the story by the couple to depict their feelings for each other and the challenges of their love.

The stunning choreography consisted of different expressive classical dance sequences by the two characters, along with the use of facial expressions and body language to show their feelings for each other and described the ups and downs of their journey.

Throughout the production, the clever stage lighting strategically shifted its' focus from the dancers and homed in on the tabla drummers and singer who were all behind the mirrors towards the back of the stage.  When there was a poignant song, the lighting picked out the singer and when the music was more dramatic, the attention was on the tabla players.

At the end there was a very impressive effect of rain falling onto the stage as the couple came together for a happy ending.

I found this to be a superb overall production and a stunning display of dance, South Asian attire and music which was thoroughly enjoyable to watch.