Focus On: Agra Colonnade

Join Akademi, the UK’s leading South Asian dance organisation, for a dynamic day of movement, memory, and community at V&A East Storehouse. Through workshops, performances and in-conversation moments, this one-day event explores how Indian dance can reimagine and reanimate the architectural legacy of the Agra Colonnade—one of the museum’s most remarkable architectural fragments.

Centred around Mehfooz, Akademi’s acclaimed film commission, the day invites visitors behind the scenes to discover how dancers, choreographers, filmmakers, and curators collaborated to transform silent stone into a living story. Participate in immersive movement workshops, meet the creative team, and take part in guided tours that bring you face-to-face with the colonnade’s exquisite craftsmanship and long-travelled history.

This is an invitation to move with heritage, not just observe it. Whether you’re curious about South Asian dance, contemporary choreography, architectural histories, or the creative process, this event opens a rare window into cross-cultural collaboration and embodied interpretation.

Presented by Akademi in partnership with V&A East, experience the artistry of transforming historical narratives into dance. All ages and experience levels welcome.

Mehfooz 

Dance Performance
Gallery 2 at 14:15, 15:00 and 16:45 (15 minutes)

Witness how the Agra Colonnade come alive through dance as young participants from the local community present their interpretations of this historic structure. Working with choreographer Shyam Dattani, the participants explored the Colonnade through various movement styles during the V&A East and Akademi's collaborative project earlier this year. The developed material culminated in a dance film which is now showing in Gallery 1  at the Storehouse. You will get to see adapted excerpts from this film performed live!
This performance reveals how ancient architecture speaks through contemporary bodies, creating new dialogues between past and present.
Talent: Annie Antony, Annika Shamachar, Hashna Sivasothilingam, Herbert Cristian-Panduru, Kanhari Pinge, and Sneha Semaleesan.

 

Panel Discussion
Gallery 2  at 13:20 (40 minutes)
Step inside the creative process with the artists, curators, and collaborators who brought the ‘Agra Colonnade: Through a Dance Lens’ co-production to life.
Join Akademi Artistic Director Suba Subramaniam, choreographer Shyam Dattani,  and filmmaker Romain Beck, alongside Komal Khetia and Revati Mann from the V&A, as they share their thinking, challenges, and discoveries that shaped this unique collaboration. 

Mausiki
Music Performance
Gallery 3 at 13:00, 14:35 and 16:20 (15 minutes)

Let sound transport you through the themes and emotions inspired by the Agra Colonnade.
Mridangam player, Deepak Iyer and flautist Gnani Pitchaippah from Sound and Silence will perform pieces inspired by the architectural grandeur and cultural heritage of the Colonnade. These musical presentations will create a bridge between the visual magnificence of Mughal architecture and the sensory experience of sound.

Mehsoos
Movement Workshop
Collections Hall at 15:30 (45 minutes)

Experience the art of Kathak, an Indian classical dance form, and explore how movement translates stone and space into physical poetry. Choreographer Shyam Dattani opens his rehearsal process, demonstrating excerpts with project participants before inviting you to join in. Learn some fundamental Kathak hand gestures and footwork while discovering how dancers transform the curves, lines, and rhythms of the Agra Colonnade into movement. No previous dance experience required.

Mulakaat
Guided visit to the Agra Colonnade
Main Entrance Meeting Point at 14:00, 14:45, 15:15; 15:45, 16:15 and 16:45 (15 minutes each)
This intimate visit allows you to experience the architectural masterpiece that inspired the afternoon's performances and discussions. See the intricate details, craftsmanship, and understand the historical significance of the very structure that sparked this creative collaboration, bringing your journey through time and space full circle.

Please note these visits have a limited capacity. Sign up from 13.00 at the Storehouse Entrance.