In his first appearance at the Barbican, acclaimed visual artist and filmmaker Hetain Patel returns to the stage with a preview performance of his latest solo Mathroo Basha (Mother Tongue in Gujarati). 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, Hetain delves into the emotional realities of generational change through personal movement explorations where his body becomes the conduit.

London-based artist Hetain has shown films, paintings, sculptures, photographs and performance work in galleries, theatres and iconic public screens around the world.

Barbican logoCockayneThe London Community Foundation logoFabric logo

Gallery

Live performance

Preview Performance

  • Venue: The Pit, Barbican
  • Date: Fri 11 - Sat 12 October 2024, 7pm
  • Admission: Tickets £18
  • Duration: 45 minutes (no interval)
  • Access: BSL interpreted performance Sat 12 October

Additional events: Post-show talk Sat 12 October. Free for sameday ticket-holders, BSL interpreted.

Language: English and Gujarati

Dance Umbrella Festival 2024 Across London & Online
9-31 October

Book Tickets

Credit Camilla Greenwell

  • Hetain Patel wears a bomber jacket in the same geometric pattern as the rug beneath him and the drapes behind him. He is barefoot, legs bent, crouching forward, with his head turned to look behind him.
  • Hetain Patel wears a bomber jacket in the same geometric pattern as the rug beneath him and the drapes behind him. He is barefoot, legs crouched low, wide apart with arms outstretched.
  • Hetain Patel wears a bomber jacket in the same geometric pattern as the rug beneath him and the drapes behind him. He is barefoot, legs bent, bent forward, with his right arm outstretched behind him.

About Hetain Patel

Portrait of Hetain Patel wearing a black bomber jacket with carpet patterns

Credit Camilla Greenwell

Hetain Patel is a London-based artist and filmmaker known for his work in various mediums including films, performances, and photography. His art has been showcased worldwide in venues such as Tate Modern, Venice Biennale, and Ullens Centre for Contemporary Art. His work, exploring identity and freedom, has been viewed over 50 million times online, including his 2023 TED talk Who Am I? Think Again.

Hetain has received several awards such as the Film London Jarman Award and the Best International Film award at Kino Der Kunst Festival. He is a patron of QUAD, Derby, and serves on various committees. Patel is represented by Chatterjee & Lal in Mumbai.

Credits +

Presented by Dance Umbrella and Barbican

The presentation of Mathroo Basha at Dance Umbrella is made possible with the support of the Cockayne Foundation and Fabric International

Venue & Access +

Venue

Address

Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

The Pit is located on Level -2 within the main Barbican building and can be accessed via the stairs or lifts on Level G, next to the doors to the Lakeside Terrace.

Public transport

The Barbican are within walking distance from a number of London Underground and Elizabeth Line stations, the closest being Barbican, St Paul’s, Farringdon and Moorgate.

The nearest tube station served by the Night Tube (Friday and Saturday) is St Paul’s on the Central line.

Access information

Access

The Pit floor (level minus 2) can be reached via the main lifts – please note that only two of the four lifts go to this floor. Access Step-free access from the Pit floor foyer to any front-row seat. All other seats lead off stepped aisles.

Mobility

Spaces for two wheelchair users in the front row (at stage level), with companion seats. Front row seats are also suitable for people with limited mobility.

Assistance dogs

Because space in the auditorium is limited, we recommend that you leave your dog to be cared for by a member of the foyer staff during the performance.

Amplified sound

Amplified sound is provided through a headset for people with impaired hearing. Audio-described performances use a wireless network to relay through a headset a live description of the scenery, costumes, facial expressions and action. Headsets are available. You can obtain one 30 minutes before the performance from the programme desk inside the Pit Theatre entrance.

For more access information, please visit the Barbican website.

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