In January 2025, the AlUla Arts Festival in Saudi Arabia presented a remarkable performance titled Thikra: Night of Remembering. This collaborative work between British-Bangladeshi choreographer Akram Khan and Saudi artist Manal AlDowayan was commissioned by Wadi AlFann, also known as the Valley of the Arts. The performance took place from January 25 to 27 in the desert landscape of AlUla, offering audiences an experience that combined movement, music, and visual art.
Thikra drew inspiration from AlUla's rich history, ancient myths, and natural surroundings. The performance featured 14 international dancers who blended traditional Indian classical dance with contemporary movements. The choreography aimed to reflect themes of memory, healing, and the connection between past and present. The dancers performed on a circular stage set against the backdrop of AlUla's dramatic cliffs, with the audience seated on traditional Sadu-woven carpets under the night sky.
Manal AlDowayan contributed to the performance by designing costumes and visual elements that honored local traditions. Collaborating with artisans from AlUla and the Madrasat Addeera Art and Design Centre, she created costumes using natural dyes and pigments that reflected the colors of the surrounding landscape. The designs incorporated symbols and motifs from the region's heritage, aiming to represent the layers of history and culture present in AlUla.
The music for Thikra was composed by Aditya Prakash, with contributions from musician Loulwa Al Sharif and local artists from the AlUla Music Hub. The score combined traditional and contemporary sounds, enhancing the performance's atmosphere and emotional depth.
Community involvement was a significant aspect of Thikra. Forty local participants joined the opening procession, leading the audience to the performance space. Workshops and training sessions were conducted to engage and empower the local community, fostering a sense of ownership and connection to the arts
Thikra: Night of Remembering exemplified the AlUla Arts Festival's mission to celebrate cultural heritage and contemporary creativity. By bringing together international artists and local communities, the performance highlighted the power of collaboration and the importance of remembering and honoring the past while looking toward the future.
About Manal AlDowayan
Manal AlDowayan is a leading Saudi artist whose work focuses on memory, identity, and social change. She often explores the role of women in Saudi society through different art forms like photography, installations, and sculpture. Some of her most well-known projects, such as Suspended Together and If I Forget You, Don’t Forget Me, deal with themes like movement, disappearance, and the sense of belonging. Her work has been shown in major international venues, including the Venice Biennale, the British Museum, and Mathaf. AlDowayan is known for connecting personal stories with wider global conversations about culture and change.
About Akram Khan
Akram Khan is a world-renowned British dancer and choreographer. He is known for blending classical Indian Kathak dance with modern dance styles, creating powerful performances that explore identity, migration, and human experiences. His famous works, including Zero Degrees, Vertical Road, and Xenos, have been performed across the world and have received high praise. Khan is respected for his ability to combine different dance traditions in a unique and meaningful way, making him one of the most important choreographers of his time. His work continues to move and inspire audiences everywhere.
