Amna Mawaz Khan

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Amna Mawaz Khan
آمنہ مواز خان
Born
Amna Mawaz Khan
NationalityPakistani
Occupation(s)Dancer, Activist
Known forBharatnatyam dancer

Amna Mawaz Khan (Urdu: آمنہ مواز خان, Born: July 22, 1989) is a Pakistani classical dancer of Bharatnatyam,[1] theatre artist, feminist and political worker.[2] She is founding member of Women Democratic Front.[3][4]

Early life and education[edit]

Khan was born in Rawalpindi on 22 July 1989. She got her early education from Khaldunia High School, Islamabad. She completed her bachelor's degree in arts from University of the Punjab. She studied her master's degree in Pakistan studies in 2013 from National Institute of Pakistan Studies, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad.[5] She is doing Masters in transcultural studies at the Heidelberg University.[6]

Bharatanatyam Dance[edit]

Khan began classical dance[7] learning at the age of 11 from renowned dancer Indu Mitha in her school, Mazmoon-e-Shauq[8] and learnt from her for 11 years.[3][9] After that, she started teaching dance for six years. Khan also did a short course in contemporary dance and choreography from Trinity Laban Conservatoire in Greenwich, London, England.[4][10]

From 2016 to 2018, Khan worked as dance instructor and head choreographer of the permanent dance ensemble, the National Performing Arts Group, at the Pakistan National Council of Arts, Islamabad.[11] Khan aims to preserve this rare classical dance in the country and pass the art on to others.[12][13]

Khan has also learnt and explored Kathak,[14] Uday Shankar's style of dance and Pakistani folk dances. She has performed[15] and given workshops[16] across Pakistan as well as in America,[17] China,[18] India, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.[4] She has performed on various occasions with Tehreema Mitha (daughter of Indu Mitha), who is also a renowned classical dancer, living in USA.[19][20][15] Khan has performed her dance in many art[21][22] and literature festivals.[23][24][25] Khan was featured in a documentary "How She Moves" which was displayed in Portland Film Festival.[26][27][28]

She wrote a perspective "Raqs-e-Mahavaari"[29] in the book "Period Matters: Menstruation in South Asia"[30][31] written by Farah Ahamed[32][33] with expressions through Bharatanatyam choreography[34] and its genesis.[35]

She performed in 16th International Urdu Conference in Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi in December 2023.[36]

Theatre Artist[edit]

Khan is a peace and social activist and a feminist.[37][38] She helped in making of the socialist, progressive art collective Laal Hartaal. She performed on various occasions with members of Laal Hartaal in Women Marches, Student Marches, Art festivals,[39][40][41] Faiz Amn Mela.[42][43] and climate action day event.[44]

Khan often works with the Pakistan National Council of the Arts, Theatrewallay and Kuch Khaas in their creative productions.[45][46][47][48][49]

She is a member of the Magdalena Project which facilitates support and training to cross-cultural network of women’s theatre and performance.[50] She curated the exhibition "Peepal and Banyan" in Berlin, featuring the work of contemporary artists from Pakistan.[51]

Political Worker[edit]

Khan is also a left wing political worker. Her activism began in 2007, during the emergency imposed under dictatorship, she was a student then. She mobilized students for protest demonstrations, wrote, acted and directed for street theatre. She joined the Awami Workers Party in 2012 when it was founded. Since then, Khan has been active in campaigns for release of progressive political prisoners and movements on housing rights, women issues, students, transgenders,[52] peasants and minorities.[53][54] Khan also stood in the local body elections of Islamabad in 2015 as Awami Workers Party’s (AWP) candidate for vice chairman in UC-28.[55][56][57] Since 2007, Khan is working as political organizer and a feminist.

She is founding member of Women Democratic Front, a feminist, socialist organization.[58]

In March, 2016 she also delivered a TED talk on "Identification and rectification of socially constructed barriers" in Islamabad.[53] She has used theatre and dance to create awareness for climate justice due to recent devastaitng floods in Pakistan.[44][59]

Notable works[edit]

  • Jathiswaram Duet[60]
  • Dukhi[61][62]
  • A Perception (2015): Short drama, directed and written by Hassan Ahmed Raja[63]
  • Hum gunehgar aurtain’: Kishwar Naheed’s well known satirical poem, ‘Hum gunehgar aurtain’ (we sinful women) in honour of women who struggle every day against the injustices and oppression of a patriarchal society; an affirmation of the beauty; strength and power of womanhood.[64]
  • Khabaram Raseeda: Hazrat Amir Khusrows khabaram raseeda, ‘in the hope of a new beginning where everything is encompassed by love.[8]
  • Barzakh[65][66][67]
  • Situation 101
  • Mehergarh[4]
  • Zulm rahe aur amn bhi ho: based on Habib Jalib’s poem Zulm rahe aur amn bhi ho, paying homage to Mashal.[41][40]
  • Niqab [68]
  • Featured in How She Moves (2018): Documentary, a tribute to Indu Mitha[4]
  • Teen Taal: Based on Malkauns raga dates back to Emperor Akbar’s court. The performance with technical dance, called Alarippu in multiple styles of manipuri, khattak and bharatnatyam, is considered the foundation of bharatnatyam taught to every student.[69][70]
  • Hazaron Khwahishein Aisi’ (A thousands yearnings)[71][72]
  • Jaal: organized by Kuch Khas[72]
  • Saavan
  • Aamad[73][74]
  • Ae Ri Sakhi[75]
  • Be Maut Muaato Laaye Kutha[76]
  • When All of This is Over[77]
  • Azad Aurat: Poem by Rubina Ahmed[78]
  • Kabhi Hum Bhi Khoobsurat Thay[79]
  • Saans Lenay Do
  • no man's land[80]
  • Kya Aisa Jahan Mumkin Hai?[81]
  • Ye Hosla Kaise Jhuke
  • Dharti ka dam ghut'ta hy[44][82]
  • Qalandar
  • Iss Paar aur Uss Paar[83]

External links[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Mind the Gap". Interval.
  2. ^ "Patriarchale Gewalt als ständige Erfahrung". graswurzelrevolution (in German). 23 December 2022.
  3. ^ a b Yasin, Aamir (12 January 2017). "LIVING COLOURS: 'Future of classical dance, music in Pakistan is very bright'". DAWN.COM.
  4. ^ a b c d e "Freedom of Expression through Bharatanatyam Dance with Amna Mawaz with Q&A". Portland Dance Film Festival.
  5. ^ "Democracy, the Political and Social Movements in Europe and South Asia: An Intercontextual Dialogue" (PDF). German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
  6. ^ "Amna Mawaz Khan – Urban Transformation and Placemaking".
  7. ^ Yaqin, Amina (2022). Gender, sexuality and feminism in Pakistani Urdu writing. London: Anthem Press. p. 222. ISBN 9781785277566.
  8. ^ a b "Mausikar arranges thrilling performance of dance and music". www.thenews.com.pk.
  9. ^ "Isabelle Anna's story of kathak: There are no words here, just movement". The Express Tribune. 8 December 2012.
  10. ^ "AMNA MAWAZ, DANCE PHOTOGRAPHY- PART 1". Behance.
  11. ^ Ahmed, Shoaib (30 April 2019). "Dance day celebrated with a night of folk, classical performances". DAWN.COM.
  12. ^ "how she moves indu". www.tasmanianbutterco.com.au.[permanent dead link]
  13. ^ Reporter, The Newspaper's Staff (1 March 2020). "Tribute to classical dancer Indu Mitha". DAWN.COM.
  14. ^ "THINKING-ACTIONS – Inter Actions".
  15. ^ a b "Classical dancer paid tribute". www.thenews.com.pk.
  16. ^ Youlin, Magazine. "FACE Music Mela 2017: Promoting Diversity and Harmony through Music - Mirza Salam Ahmed - Youlin Magazine". www.youlinmagazine.com.
  17. ^ "On Common Ground: From Pakistan to Portland". Sarika D. Mehta. 28 June 2017.
  18. ^ "Group of eight artistes going to China". The Express Tribune. 12 September 2017.
  19. ^ "A tribute performance in honor of the dance guru Mrs. Mitha's 90th birthday - Mahnaz Shujrah - Youlin Magazine". www.youlinmagazine.com.
  20. ^ "Celebrating the life of a legend". www.thenews.com.pk.
  21. ^ Reporter, The Newspaper's Staff (18 May 2015). "An occasion for musical stir". DAWN.COM.
  22. ^ "Let Dance take the Lead". The Friday Times. 22 November 2019.
  23. ^ Images Staff (5 February 2016). "Day 1: What's happening at Karachi Literature Festival 2016". Images.
  24. ^ "International Youth Festival: Bridging cultures". The Express Tribune. 7 December 2010.
  25. ^ "Music Mela Conference 2014". Vmag. 23 June 2014.
  26. ^ "Freedom of Expression through Bharatanatyam Dance and Laban Techniques". Eventbrite.
  27. ^ Images Staff (12 April 2021). "How She Moves celebrates Pakistan's rich heritage of classical dance". Images.
  28. ^ Images Staff (19 April 2021). "Dancer Indu Mitha says documentary How She Moves is not representative of her or her work". Images.
  29. ^ "'Santhals Celebrate Menstruation As Hormobaha Or Flower Of The Body'". outlookindia. 23 September 2022.
  30. ^ "Pan Macmillan India". www.panmacmillan.co.in.
  31. ^ Period Matters : Menstruation in South Asia. 18 August 2022. ISBN 978-93-89104-48-6.
  32. ^ "Farah Ahamed Dignifying The Menstruation Experience « THE ASIAN WEEKLY". theasianweekly.
  33. ^ Ahamed, Farah. "'Images, phrases, characters': Farah Ahamed on the literary influences on her book 'Period Matters'". Scroll.in.
  34. ^ Debnath, Sayari. "Menstruation in South Asia: 'Period Matters' explores the complexities with writings and art". Scroll.in.
  35. ^ Chadda, Suparnaa (12 July 2022). "From shame to digital snooping". eShe.
  36. ^ Rehman, Zia Ur (3 December 2023). "Classical Dancer Amna Mawaz performing at the closing ceremony of 16th Aalmi Urdu Conference at Arts Council".
  37. ^ "Aman Ki Asha – India-Pakistan people's peace resolution: Throwing a pebble in the pond".
  38. ^ "Vrouwelijke fotografen bundelen krachten voor Internationale Vrouwendag met expo Ways of Seeing". Gazet van Antwerpen (in Flemish). 6 March 2024.
  39. ^ "Schäm Dich!". schaemdi.ch.
  40. ^ a b Kazim, Syeda Shehrbano (15 April 2017). "Fifth Islamabad Literature Festival commences". DAWN.COM.
  41. ^ a b "Literature in the Capital". Newsline. 22 April 2017.
  42. ^ Reporter, The Newspaper's Staff (15 February 2020). "Faiz Amn Mela at Bagh-i-Jinnah tomorrow". DAWN.COM.
  43. ^ "Amn Mela: With music, songs and dance, tributes paid to Faiz". The Express Tribune. 14 February 2016.
  44. ^ a b c Ahmed, Raja Furqan (24 September 2022). "Activists from Islamabad, Rawalpindi demand climate justice". The Pakistan Daily.
  45. ^ "PechaKucha 20x20". www.pechakucha.com.
  46. ^ "DanceWatch Weekly: The Risk/Reward bargain". Oregon ArtsWatch. 22 June 2017. Archived from the original on 23 October 2020. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  47. ^ "Dancing with The Drumming Circle". The Express Tribune. 10 April 2014.
  48. ^ "Bharatnatyam leaves many mesmerised in Pakistan". Deccan Herald. 16 October 2013.
  49. ^ "Amna Mawaz Khan". Oregon ArtsWatch Archives.
  50. ^ "Amna Mawaz Khan | The Magdalena Project - international network of women in theatre". themagdalenaproject.org.
  51. ^ "Peepal and Banyan". THX AGAIN.
  52. ^ Shahid, Jamal (1 April 2022). "Call to end violence against transgender people". DAWN.COM.
  53. ^ a b "TEDxIslamabad | TED". www.ted.com.
  54. ^ "Calls for women rights resonate in capital". The Express Tribune. 8 March 2015.
  55. ^ Zeb, Sanam (29 November 2015). "Women don't find centre stage on election posters". DAWN.COM.
  56. ^ Mojiz, Aasma (26 November 2015). "Chairpersons in a (chair)man's world". DAWN.COM.
  57. ^ "Rigging allegations: Govt accused of facilitating PML-N candidates". The Express Tribune. 30 November 2015.
  58. ^ "Amna Mawaz Khan | CreativeMornings/Islamabad". CreativeMornings.
  59. ^ "Dance, live music + conversation | Solidarity Fundraiser for Flood Affectees in Pakistan · Oyoun | Kultur NeuDenken". Oyoun | Kultur NeuDenken (in German).
  60. ^ "Performing for a cause: Classical dances, music make for a charming evening". The Express Tribune. 28 September 2013.
  61. ^ "Doyenne of Dance". The Friday Times. 18 August 2017.
  62. ^ "Indu Mitha mesmerises audience at Lok Virsa". www.thenews.com.pk.
  63. ^ Raja, Hassan Ahmed (15 March 2015). "A Perception". HARF Factory.
  64. ^ "From Bharatnatyam to Disco Deewane". The Express Tribune. 9 March 2015.
  65. ^ "Classical dance form explores contemporary meanings of life". www.thenews.com.pk.
  66. ^ Reporter, The Newspaper's Staff (12 August 2017). "PNCA hosts an evening of classical dance". DAWN.COM.
  67. ^ "PNCA performs Bharatanatyam dance in pure form". The Express Tribune. 12 August 2017.
  68. ^ "Yasir & Jawad all set to unveil their song 'Niqab'". The Express Tribune. 13 November 2012.
  69. ^ "Indu Mitha's 90th birthday celebration was an evening of storytelling | Art & Culture | thenews.com.pk". www.thenews.com.pk.
  70. ^ "PNCA organises an evening of classical dance". Dispatch News Desk. 2 February 2017.
  71. ^ "Indu Mitha to perform at PNCA on August 11". www.thenews.com.pk.
  72. ^ a b "Dance for change: Promoting universality of art encompassing cross cultural perspectives". The Express Tribune. 20 April 2014.
  73. ^ "About The Colony". The Colony - Art House.
  74. ^ "SWAY WITH US". Libas Now. 12 December 2019.
  75. ^ "Arrival of the beloved". The Express Tribune. 5 February 2016.
  76. ^ Youlin, Magazine. "Dastaangoi Volume 1: Virtually promoting the cultural history of Pakistan - Farheen Abdullah - Youlin Magazine". www.youlinmagazine.com.
  77. ^ "When All of This is Over… by Tehzeeb Hafi with Filmmakers Zain ul Abdeen & Sohaib Mugheera Siddiqui". Bradford Literature Festival.
  78. ^ Abbas, Hassan (8 March 2021). "'Aurat March' call for protection of women's rights". Associated Press Of Pakistan.
  79. ^ Salman, Ifrah (15 May 2017). "Osman Khalid Butt on recording 'Kabhi Hum Bhi'". HIP.
  80. ^ "no mans land - an evening of dance, music and story-telling. | Völkerkundemuseum Heidelberg | July 29, 2022". happeningnext.com.
  81. ^ "Programm-Pandora's Box". Internationales Frauen*Theater-Festival (in German).
  82. ^ Junaidi, Ikram (6 March 2023). "Aurat Azadi Jalsa demands economic, land reforms". DAWN.COM.
  83. ^ "Iss Paar aur Uss Paar". Independent Urdu (in Urdu). 4 December 2023.
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