Sonia Sabri Presents: Mughal Miniatures

Join us for a vibrant performance event for all the family, celebrating the exquisite traditional art of Indian and Persian miniature painting.

Created by Sonia Sabri Company Mughal Miniatures is a vibrant outdoor performance event for all the family, which celebrates and takes inspiration from the exquisite traditional art of Indian and Persian miniature painting.

Mughal Miniatures is upbeat and fun, with performers in sumptuous costumes creating spirited and colourful mini worlds of dance, music and puppetry. A series of pop-up, living pictures evoke scenes of Indian princely courts and lush gardens, and the glory of the Mughal period but with a contemporary twist which overturns expectations and surprises and delights passers-by.

Mughal Miniatures is presented in two scenes:

Scene 1: The Awakening

We invite you to step back in time and join us at court to meet the feisty Queen but everything is not as it seems, our well-behaved characters have grown tired of their restrictive frames. With your help they can break free – not only of their pictorial frames but also of society’s expectations!

Scene 2: Animal Paradise

This pop-up, living picture evokes scenes of lush Indian gardens and the glory of the Mughal period but with a contemporary twist which overturns expectations and surprises and delights passers-by. We invite you to step back in time to an exquisite gathering where human and creature meet and interact. Exploring the relationship between humans, animals and the natural world and whether it’s possible for the three to live in harmony.

Look out for the cheeky peacock in the grounds!

Indian miniature painting of 9th and 10th century was hugely multicultural, drawing inspiration from many peoples and cultures. In the same way, this project, like all Sonia Sabri Company’s work, is about bringing different artists, forms and cultures into dialogue with each other and demonstrating their complementary nature. A poignant metaphor of our diverse society here in the UK and worldwide.

Event Information

• ‘Mughal Miniatures’ will take place in both the grounds of Aston Hall and inside the astonishing Long Gallery. Performances will rotate throughout the day to give multiple opportunities to view both acts, see the full timetable below.
• Scene 1 will take place in the Long Gallery and is included in the normal entrance fee for the Hall. The performance takes place upstairs, there is no lift access inside the Hall. Scene 2 takes place in the North Courtyard. Roving performers will pop up anywhere at anytime!
• You are welcome to move in and out of the Hall at your leisure to explore the whole performance and venue.
• Drop-in family arts activities will also be available 12.00-4.00pm in the North Courtyard. Create Mughal miniature dancers and peacocks with artist Jane Thakoordin.

To explore the process behind creating ‘Mughal Miniatures’ check out our evening talk The Art of Indian and Persian Miniature Painting.

South Asian Heritage Month is July 18th to August 17th. A period to honour, recognise, and appreciate South Asian history and culture, as well as to comprehend the rich cultural legacy of countries in South Asia.

Mughal Miniatures has been supported by Without Walls and co-commissioned by Applause, Brighton Festival, Certain Blacks and Hat Fair.