Mathroo Basha

Acclaimed visual artist and filmmaker Hetain Patel presents 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.

Presented as part of Dance Umbrella Festival 2024 at the Barbican. 

Commissioned by Dance Umbrella. Made possible with the support of the Cockayne Foundation and Fabric International.

Tagged with: Theatre