Partition of the Heart: A Journey of Remembrance and Reconciliation, Directed by Mukhtar Dar with music by Simon Duggal, mac Birmingham, 30-31 October 2024,

2☆☆. Review Dan Auluk.

"The intention and passion are clearly present but unfortunately the past remains over explained and conceptually unexplored."

Run time: 2 hours

Mukhtar Dar’s Partition of the Heart is a daring exploration of cultural trauma and resilience, challenging audiences with its striking imagery and thought-provoking themes. While the intent to raise awareness and challenge audiences is commendable, the use of AI-generated visuals sometimes detracts from the authenticity of the piece. However, we are offered actual glimpses of silent video footage in places which show some of horrors witnessed and this works well.

The spectacle of this production showcases a variety of dance and musical compositions from both local and international talents and in some ways this eclectic mix of performers allows for further collaboration, nurturing and development. However, despite these commendable elements, the narrative often lacks clarity and fails to propel itself forward cohesively in what becomes episodic and didactic. The whole production felt like an experimental testing ground for something yet to come. The evocative composition of the music arrangement by Simon Duggal was powerful and authentic; and gave a sense of place. In general, the music performances throughout were well performed and enjoyable, albeit felt disjointed and uncertain at times.

The continuous videos played in the background, albeit visually slick, needed more subtlety in places. These videos were often also distracting rather than immersing us in the intended emotional landscape of the story of horrors witnessed by Dar’s mentor. Additionally, the main narration throughout, although well delivered, felt heavy-handed and like the video constantly repeating. A more contemporary spoken word approach of narration, which happened only once, by a young and clearly gifted South Asian youth was underused and this could have enriched the exploration of intergenerational trauma speaking out to younger audiences too.

The whole piece oscillates between documentary, photography, video, contemporary dance, music and live experimental theatre, ultimately serving as a poignant love letter of respect, sorrow and hope from Dar’s mentor but sometimes the silence draws in audiences. This production was loud and bold throughout with too much going on.

The tension between the Tabla players from India and Pakistan, positioned at opposing ends, versus each other, offers a compelling conceptual reflection on the shared complexities of cultural identity, with the sitar player providing a harmonious counterpoint. This was a highlight for me.

Towards the end we time travel and flash forwards a generation that present us with acts of defiance in the 70’s UK, and I guess in some way the piece starts to open up and we see the present conflicts portrayed in the past. The 2 hours also seemed to race by and was enjoyable but as a second generation South Asian born in the 70’s, I was left feeling emotionally disconnected from the whole experience.

Overall, Partition of the Heart is a bold experiment with significant conceptual potential. With further refinement and reduction and focus, this could weave a more robust and coherent narrative that may resonates deeply with its audience. I look forward to seeing how this innovative exploration of trauma, resilience and hope, continues to develop.

Partition of the Heart is a Kalaboration Arts production funded by Inclusive Communities

Fund and part of the Journeys Project. 

Cast

Harsimran Singh - Singer 

Neha Dogra - Singer

Sunil Sajal - Singer

Suleman Hussain - Rapper

Rupinder Kaur - Narrator / Poet

Dave Roger - Actor / Colonial Officer

Vinay Parekh - Actor / 

Mohinder Singh - Tabla Player

Dalbir Singh - Tabla Player

Akash Parekar - Sitar PLayer

Raghad Haddad - Viola Player

Suhaee Abro - Contemporary Dancer

Gabrhu Punjab De - Dancers and folk musicians. 

Creatives

Mukhtar Dar - Director

Simon Duggal - Music Producer

Haki Kapasi - Producer

Joseph Potts - Assistant Video Editor 

Aysha Khan - Stage Manager