Ishq Ke Saat Maqaam — A Dance-Drama Musical

Kabeer caught a glimpse of her enchanting beauty, ghunghroo-laden ankles beating against the floor of her haveli’s courtyard in Purani Dilli (Old Delhi). He could not take his eyes off her. This was the first stage of Mohabbat, Dilkashi, as the Sufis would call it. 

Set in the pre-partition era, the story unfolds on stage, brought alive with captivating dance performances, ghazals, storytelling, visual projections, and poetry. Watch the teaser on YouTube.

The concept of love is as old as time, whether it is the romantic longing for a Mehboob or the divine union with the Creator. According to Sufism, this journey moves through desire, devotion, madness and surrender, leading the soul from the earthly to the divine. Ishq ke Saat Maqaam, written and directed by Melbourne-based writers, brings this timeless odyssey to life through dance, drama, music and storytelling. 

Inspired by the verses of Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi, Baba Bulleh Shah, Hazrat Amir Khusrau, Kabir Das, Fariduddin Attar, Hafez Shirazi, Mirza Ghalib and others, the performance intertwines Sufi philosophy with a captivating narrative, tracing the seven stages of love. 

Honouring the musical legacy of Mahendar Singh ji, Bhupinder Singh ji, Abida Parveen ji, Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan ji, Mukul Gill ji and other legendary Sufi voices, the production features live singing delivered by raag-based classical vocalists. With storytelling and classical dance styles such as Kathak, the narrative unfolds in a theatrical setting. 

Cutting-edge screen projections transform the stage, heightening the dramatisation and immersing audiences in stunning visual storytelling, transporting them to another time and offering a true feast for the senses. 

Ishq ke Saat Maqaam comes to life through the collaboration of Indian, Pakistani and Persian artists in Australia, reuniting cultures while preserving its spiritual essence. The artists have worked hard to gift this experience to the South Asian diaspora. 

An evening where Raqs (dance), Shayari (poetry) and Mausiqi (music) come together in celebration of love’s most profound journey. Whether deeply familiar with these traditions or discovering them for the first time, audiences will be mesmerized by the beauty of the performing arts. 

Important Note: The doors will open at 5:30 pm, and seating will be completed by 6:30 pm. Guests are welcome to grab drinks, chai, or snacks before taking their seats. Due to the nature of the performance, the doors will remain closed once the show begins. The venue will be unable to admit guests after 6:15 pm, kindly plan extra time for parking and transportation delays.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. What is Ishq ke Saat Maqaam about? 
Ishq ke Saat Maqaam is a theatrical performance that tells a story moving through the seven stages of love, inspired by Sufi philosophy. Through dance, music, poetry, and storytelling, the show traces the journey of love from longing and devotion to surrender and divine union. 

2. Who are the creators of the show? 
It is a collaboration of Indian, Pakistani, and Persian artists based in Australia. 

3. What can I expect from the performance? 
Audiences will experience a multi-sensory journey with classical dance such as Kathak, live Sufi and raag-based singing, ghazals, poetry, storytelling, and immersive visual projections. Cutting-edge image and light projection techniques transport viewers to another era, creating a fully immersive experience. 

4. What languages is the performance in? 
The show is primarily in Urdu and Hindi, with some poems in Punjabi. 

5. What should I wear? 
Bring your favourite traditional outfit and embrace the bling. 

6. Do I need prior knowledge of Sufi poetry or traditions to enjoy the show? 
No prior knowledge is needed. The performance is designed for everyone. Whether you are familiar with Sufi traditions or experiencing them for the first time, you will be captivated by the music, dance, and storytelling. 

7. Is the music performed live? 
Yes. Some of the music is performed live by classical vocalists and instrumentalists, honouring the legacy of legendary musicians through the disciples of Mukul Gill ji. 

8. Where and when is the performance taking place? 
Saturday, 11th October 2025 at the Richmond Theatrette.

9. How long is the show? 
The performance runs approximately 1.5-2 hours and may include a short interval. After the show, there is a one-hour meet, greet, and mingle session with the artists and other guests. Grab a drink or some chai and enjoy the conversation. 

10. Is the show suitable for children? 
The performance is suitable for teenagers and adults. Very young children may find it less engaging due to the depth of themes and musical intensity. 

11. How can I book tickets? 
Tickets can be booked online via Humanitix. Early booking is recommended as seats are limited. 

12. Is there public transport access? 
Yes. The venue is accessible via public transport. 

13. Are food and beverages available at the show? 
Yes. A bar, desi snacks, and chai will be available for purchase before and after the show.

14. Can I take photos or record the performance? 
We would like you to be hands-free and fully enjoy the show, but in today's world of social media, feel free to capture small clips. Please ensure the flashlight is off and tag us on Instagram :D @Kahaani_Productions_Australia. 

We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which our event takes place in Richmond. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples joining us.