ਆਦਤ / the Ādat (habit)
- Agata Drogowska
- 14 hours ago
- 3 min read
Sheherazaad's extraordinary performance seamlessly blends elements of Indian music, dance, and singing, creating a deeply immersive theatrical experience. Ādat is the story of a young woman navigating life, love, and happiness while confronting her cultural heritage. Though she tells her story in English, in the heart of New York, its essence is deeply rooted in her cultural journey.
One of the most striking aspects of the performance is Sheherazaad's use of traditional giddha dance, a celebratory Punjabi folk dance performed by women. This dance, integral to the narrative, symbolizes joy and self-expression. Sheherazaad dances not for an audience but for herself, embodying the spirit of a woman reveling in her happiness. This element of the performance is crucial—it not only enhances the musicality and movement but also serves as a powerful visual metaphor for self-discovery and cultural connection.
Sheherazaad's vocal performance is equally captivating, which transports the audience into the emotional depths of her storytelling. Her hauntingly beautiful singing blends English and Punjabi folk traditions, amplifying the intensity of the narrative. The fusion of voice, movement, and rhythm makes Ādat a mesmerizing experience that speaks to the universal longing for identity and belonging.
Despite cultural differences, Sheherazaad's dance and singing in Ādat are universally evocative, radiating a joy that transcends language and background. The performance is a mesmerizing fusion of traditional and contemporary elements, addressing themes of identity, addiction, and nostalgia for one's homeland. It is a personal and universal tale skillfully brought to life through Sheherazaad's dynamic storytelling and evocative music.
Written, Performed and Directed by Sheherazaad
April 1, 2025
March 18 through April 20, 2025
Theatre Row (410 West 42nd Street, NYC)
Born in Poland and based in New York, Agata Drogowska is a filmmaker, artist, journalist, writer, and curator specializing in the visual and performing arts. With a career spanning over two decades, Drogowska has become a significant figure in the cultural dialogue between Poland and the United States. She holds a degree in Painting and Arts Education from the University of the Arts in Poznań (formerly the Academy of Fine Arts) and a diploma in Filmmaking from the New York Film Academy, which she completed in 2010. Her multidisciplinary background is reflected in her diverse accomplishments as a painter, set designer, and artistic director during her early career in Poland. Drogowska’s notable achievements include serving as Vice President of the Artistic Association “InterCity” (1999–2010), curating a critically acclaimed exhibition of works by renowned Polish-American photographer Ryszard Horowitz (2010), and leading the public art project “The Art Benches” (2003–2007), which transformed urban spaces in Poznań into interactive art installations. Since 2012, Drogowska has been based in New York, where she currently serves as the President of New York Artists and Filmmakers. Under her leadership, the organization is dedicated to showcasing contemporary Polish cinema and fostering artistic collaborations between Poland and the United States. Her work has been presented at renowned venues, including MoMA, the Tribeca Screening Room, and the Polish Consulate General in New York. Drogowska is also an accomplished filmmaker, having debuted with the short experimental film Sick Home, Home Sick in 2004. Beyond her artistic endeavors, she is an active journalist and writer, contributing insightful articles on art, film, and culture to international publications. Her projects often focus on preserving and celebrating the legacy of Polish cinema and art, emphasizing their relevance in contemporary global discourse. For more information, visit agatadrogowska.com.