ASTITVA means “existence,” and the performance is structured into four acts: Seeking, Desire, Acceptance, and Love. Together, these acts explore universal emotions and tensions, addressing themes such as the conflict between sexuality and cultural expectations, as well as the yearning for love and belonging. These personal stories unfold with both gripping intensity and grace, resonating deeply with the human experience.
Featuring performers Amar Bains, Dominic Coffey, and Mithun Gill, alongside an original score composed by Alap Desai in Raag Darbari—an Indian classical raga historically linked to royal courts—ASTITVA presents a powerful and moving portrayal of British Indian queer men. Directed and choreographed by Patel, the performance reflects our lives, families, and values while challenging us to envision new possibilities.
“ASTITVA addresses the lack of representation for South Asian Queer men in British theatres and dance houses. By highlighting the balance between tradition, sexuality, and personal truth, ASTITVA challenges misconceptions and stereotypes, bringing Queer South Asian stories to the forefront and celebrating a positive, authentic expression of identity.”
Jaivant Patel
For 20 years, the Jaivant Patel Company has produced innovative contemporary dance performances that are influenced by British-South Asian lived experiences. The company draws on a variety of South Asian dance forms and explores themes and narratives that are rarely represented on British stages.The company places LGBTQIA+ stories at the center of its artistic vision and is led by Queer British-Gujarati dancemaker Jaivant Patel.
The company’s past productions include “Yaatra,” which boldly examines themes of sexuality, faith, and spirituality. Another notable work is “Waltzing the Blue Gods,” which reinterprets the queer symbolism of the Hindu gods Shiva and Krishna. This piece reflects Patel’s own journey towards living openly as a homosexual British Indian man with a Gujarati heritage.
Tickets from £20
ASTITVA runs at The Place, 3 – 4 March 2026, 17 Duke’s Road, London WC1H 9PY, United Kingdom.
