Acclaimed visual artist and filmmaker Hetain Patel presents his latest work Mathroo Basha, which uses movement and audio interviews to explore generational change across his Brit-Gujarati family.

Following the passing of a number of first-generation immigrants in his family, British born Hetain reflects on what is lost and what is transformed, revisiting rituals rooted in his family’s working-class Brit-Gujarati experience. 

Responding physically to audio interviews of women from his family speaking in Gujarati about inheritance, loss and the future, Mathroo Basha (Mother Tongue in Gujarati) delves into the emotional realities of generational change through personal movement explorations where his body becomes the conduit.   

Performed in English and Gujarati. 

Credits

Performer and Creator: Hetain Patel
Rehearsal Director: Vidya Patel
Costume: Holly Waddington, Lee Yaroshevski, Malin Anderson
Creative Programmer:  Clancy Flynn
Interviewees: Leela Patel, Nina Chaagan, Lola Perry, Mital Patel
Commissioned by Dance Umbrella. Supported by Cockayne Foundation and FABRIC International. 

This performance is part of THIS IS DANCE an international season of dance in  Birmingham presented in partnership with FABRIC, Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham Rep, Fierce Festival, Midlands Arts Centre and Sampad Arts, bringing exceptional dance from both across the globe and the local community.