Public Talk Akram Khan & Manal AlDowayan

Over the past twenty-five years, Akram Khan has developed a distinctive choreographic language rooted in the dialogue between the classical Indian tradition of Kathak and contemporary dance. In Thikra: Night of Remembering, presented as part of BIAF’s main programme, this language meets the visual world of Manal AlDowayan. As Visual Director, AlDowayan created the production’s scenography and costumes, while its narrative concept was developed collaboratively with Khan.

The Public Talk continues this dialogue at Gazelli Art House, where AlDowayan’s practice is presented as part of the group exhibition Everything Folds, Unfolds, Refolds, curated by Auronda Scalera and Dr Alfredo Cramerotti. Bringing together Manal AlDowayan, Sophia Al-Maria, Aziza Kadyri, Raya Kassisieh, Almagul Menlibayeva and Elnara Nasirli, the exhibition explores ideas of transformation, perception and the shifting relationship between the physical and the imagined.

The Public Talk takes this interdisciplinary exchange beyond the stage, creating a space for live dialogue between artists and audiences.

Akram Khan will join the Public Talk live online from New York. Manal AlDowayan will participate in person.