Acclaimed visual artist and filmmaker Hetain Patel presents this preview of his latest work 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.
London-based artist Hetain Patel has shown films, paintings, sculptures, photographs and performance work in galleries and theatres. Patel's work explores identity and freedom, blending choreography, text, and popular culture. His 2013 TED talk Who Am I? Think Again, has been viewed over 3 million times.
Performed in English and Gujarati
Running time: 45 minutes, no interval
Age guidance: 7+
Post-show talk, Sat 12 Oct
BSL interpreted. Free to same-day ticket holders.
BSL-interpreted performance, Sat 12 Oct
Find out more about accessible events at the Barbican.
Presented by Dance Umbrella and Barbican. Dance Umbrella’s presentation of Mathroo Basha is made possible with the support of the Cockayne Foundation and Fabric International.
Part of Dance Umbrella Festival 2024
Images by Camilla Greenwell
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