This new dance work offers a mesmerising combination of movement and myth, inspired by the ancient Sufi story of a nightingale held in captivity.

Danced by by Aakash Odedra, with choreography by Rani Khanam and music by Rushil Ranjan, Songs of the Bulbul depicts the story of the bulbul, a nightingale-type bird frequently referenced in Persian poetry. They are highly prized, but also captured and mistreated to produce the most melancholy song.

Odedra’s movements are mesmeric and near continuous throughout the 50 minute show. At times they are obviously birdlike – arms and his wing-like costume flapping rhythmically, or hands fixed into claw-like shapes. Elsewhere the forms, jumps, and twirls more represent the nightingale’s spirit and exuberance.

He dances through flurries of petals, like so many autumns as the years pass and the nightingale boldly explored his surroundings. At least, that is, until his capture and imprisonment. Then, a dramatic change in Emanuele Salamanca’s set marks a shift in mood, as the dance becomes more angular and strained.

Still there is resilience and spirit, with an array of candles lighting and extinguishing, seemingly at the bulbul’s command. The bird’s brutal blinding – part of the myth of its path to the most beautiful birdsong – is harder to overcome: a chilling shriek and stillness that is palpable descends. Slowly there is some recovery, then release, and perhaps transcendence.

The show is beautiful and engrossing, and a virtuoso triumph.