She bemoans her mother for trapping her in cultural constraints dictated by men… why is she exercising their will?

Bibi Rukiya’s Reckless Daughter is a new dance-theatre from choreographer Amina Khayyam exploring conditioned patriarchy enforced by women in family structures.

Set in contemporary inner city marginalised new migrant communities, and loosely based on Federico García Lorca’s The House of Bernarda Alba, the story follows Bibi Rukiya, a widow who has confined her three daughters in response to societal pressure to preserve her family’s reputation and secure their marriages. Her daughters react in different ways – one of them, driven by her own aspirations, challenges her mother’s motives and role as a woman.

The piece was developed over 18 months through an extensive programme of outreach workshops with women’s community groups nationwide. Participants worked with professional artists from the Amina Khayyam Dance Company to examine the roles, responsibilities and sacrifices of mothers and daughters and took part in weekly workshops, rehearsals and final performances. The workshops informed the content of this new piece so it explores real-life experiences.

Performed with live music.

Amina Khayyam Dance Company, established in 2013, have created critically acclaimed shows including Yerma, Ghost Ships and Bird.