At the heart of this year’s program is the premiere of Thikra: Night of Remembering, a site-specific performance created by Saudi artist Manal AlDowayan in collaboration with choreographer Akram Khan. Commissioned by Wadi AlFann, this performance adds to AlUla’s vision to connect the past, present, and future through artistic expression.
Thikra is born from a collaboration between AlDowayan and Khan, drawing inspiration from the desert’s landscapes, ancient myths, and AlUla’s cultural heritage. Premiering in AlUla’s oasis from January 25 to 27, the performance explores themes of memory, healing, and transcendence, evoking a lost past through the language of movement and art.
AlDowayan celebrated for her nuanced explorations of memory and identity, brings her distinctive perspective to Thikra. She collaborated with artisans across AlUla to craft costumes and flags that interweave traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics. Utilising natural dyes and pigments developed in partnership with AlUla’s Madrasat Addeera Art and Design Centre, the costumes reflect the tonalities of the region’s landscape, honouring local craft traditions. Through workshops and training sessions led by AlDowayan and Khan’s company, Thikra empowers the next generation of artists in AlUla, fostering artistic dialogue and cultural preservation.
On the night of the premiere, an ensemble of 40 local participants leads the audience in a grand procession to a circular stage set against the dramatic cliffs of a desert canyon. Guests sit beneath the stars on traditional Sadu-woven carpets, experiencing a transcendent gathering that evokes healing and shared memories by retrieving a lost past. The performance features 14 dancers blending Bharatanatyam and contemporary movements, set to an original score by composer Aditya Prakash, with sound design by Gareth Fry, lighting by Zeynep Kepekli, and dramaturgy by Blue Pieta. The performance also features contributions from musician Loulwa Al-Sharif and local musicians from the AlUla Music Hub.
Following its premiere, Thikra will evolve, with an adaptation for indoor venues scheduled for March 2025. This collaboration underscores AlDowayan and Khan’s ability to harmonise contemporary art with cultural narratives.
About Manal Al Dowayan
Manal AlDowayan is a prominent Saudi Arabian artist whose multidisciplinary practice explores themes of memory, identity, and social change. Known for her works addressing the role of women in Saudi society, she uses mediums such as photography, installation, and sculpture to examine cultural traditions and collective histories. AlDowayan’s acclaimed projects include Suspended Together and If I Forget You, Don’t Forget Me, which highlight issues of mobility, erasure, and belonging. Her work has been exhibited internationally, including at the Venice Biennale, the British Museum, and Mathaf. AlDowayan is celebrated for her ability to bridge personal narratives with global conversations on heritage and transformation.
About Akram Khan
Akram Khan is a celebrated British dancer and choreographer known for his groundbreaking work in contemporary dance. Drawing on his training in classical Indian Kathak and modern dance, Khan creates performances that blend diverse cultural influences, addressing themes of identity, migration, and human connection. His critically acclaimed productions, such as Zero Degrees, Vertical Road, and Xenos, have been performed worldwide, earning him numerous awards. Khan’s unique fusion of classical and contemporary styles has garnered him recognition as one of the leading choreographers of his generation. He continues to inspire global audiences with his innovative approach to storytelling through movement.
Location: AlUla, KSA Northwestern Desert
Dates: January 11 – February 22, 2025