The Art of Indian and Persian Miniature Painting

Join Artistic Director Sonia Sabri and leading academic experts for a performance and panel discussion for South Asian Heritage Month.

Sonia Sabri Company’s latest new dance and music performance ‘Mughal Miniatures’ takes inspiration from the splendour and beauty of this traditional painting style, originating from the Mughal courts of 9th and 10th century, but still practiced today.

Artistic Director Sonia and leading academic experts, including Dr Neelam Hussain from the University of Birmingham and Dr Malini Roy from the British Library, will discuss the cultural significance of these amazing works, their multi-cultural roots, and modern debates around the representation of women in and decolonisation of such works.

The event will also feature Scene 1 of ‘Mughal Miniatures’, The Awakening a vibrant performance, which celebrates and takes inspiration from the exquisite traditional art of Indian and Persian miniature painting.

Expect performers in sumptuous costumes creating a spirited and colourful mini world of dance and music. This pop-up, living picture evokes scenes of Indian princely courts 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 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!

This event accompanies a separate day time performance of Mughal Miniatures.

Event Information

• The evening begins with a welcome drink in the splendour of the Great Hall, with a chance to view a Miniature of Arjumand Banu Begum from the museum collection.
• Then journey through the state rooms of Aston Hall to the Long Gallery for the performance and talk. The Long Gallery is located upstairs, there is no lift access inside the Hall.

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.