The mirror often reflects only surface beauty, but true beauty lies within—resilience and spirit define a person. "A Rising Lioness: In Search of Beauty", a powerful dance drama directed and choreographed by Adity Roy, founder of Adity Dance CIC, a UK-registered organisation, challenges conventional notions of beauty. Inspired by the extraordinary life of Jannatul Ferdous Ivy—a burn survivor, writer, filmmaker, and human rights activist—the production is a moving exploration of inner strength.  

Sponsored by Tower Hamlets, Queen Mary University, Arts Council England and Stonebridge Legal Solutions, the two-day show took place at Rich Mix Centre in the UK on November 15 and 16, paying a tribute to Ivy's remarkable journey of hope and perseverance.

Adity Roy with Jannatul Ferdous Ivy Photo: Taken from Jannatul Ferdous Ivy's Facebook

Named one of the BBC's 100 most inspirational and powerful women in 2023, Ivy has emerged as a beacon of strength—not just for marginalised individuals or trauma survivors but for anyone hesitant to live their life in full spirit. She has transformed 28 years of pain into a source of strength, dedicating herself to empowering burn survivors and women with disabilities since 2019. Through her work, she inspires positive perspectives and self-help skills within these communities. 

Reflecting on the performance, Ivy shared, "It was surreal to witness the artistes portray my journey through dance. The language of the performance, expressed through various dance forms, was tremendous. I am so grateful to Adity and her team. Adity is a true patriot and a beautiful human being, who brings voice to those often unheard through her dance." 

The production narrates a story of perseverance and transformation. It begins with a young woman enjoying a love-filled life, tragically altered by a devastating burn accident that scars 60% of her body. Abandoned by her romantic partner and burdened by trauma, she endures numerous surgeries and countless societal rejections. Yet, she rises above adversity, pursuing higher education, writing, filmmaking, and mountain hiking— all while inspiring others to build a more inclusive society.

"Ivy apu's journey is incredibly inspiring, and we tried to bring her vivid persona and courage to the stage, portraying the immense pain she has endured," said Adity Roy.

Adity, recognised with the Nritya-Visharad Award for her production "Avinashi Anurag" (Eternal Love), has a history of using dance to raise awareness about societal issues, including challenges faced by children with special needs. 

A renowned dance scholar, and a Bangladeshi expat based in the UK, Adity is celebrated for her expertise in Bharatanatyam, ballet, and contemporary dance. Trained under legendary mentors such as the late Guru Professor CV Chandrasekhar, Smt Pushkala Gopal, and Santosh Menon, her style blends classical traditions with innovative, contemporary expression. 

"Addressing social issues through dance has always been my primary focus," Adity explained. "In "A Rising Lioness: In Search of Beauty", we fused Bharatanatyam's rich tradition, ballet's elegance, and contemporary dance's emotive fluidity to create a transformative narrative." 

Through intricate choreography and emotive expressions, Adity captured the protagonist's pain, resilience, and triumph, leaving audiences deeply moved. The smooth integration of diverse dance forms reflected the story's complexity, forging a profound connection with viewers from all walks of life.

"This production is more than just a performance; it is a celebration of the human spirit's capacity to rise above adversity," Ivy remarked. "Adity's choreography breathes life into the narrative, showcasing how art can communicate complex emotions that transcend language. The devotion and dedication in the dance create a spiritual and emotional experience that lingers long after the curtain falls."

Adity was joined on stage by the talented cast members Urmee Mazher, Sneha Shill, Sarah Lowe, Emma Clandon, Emma Levene, Athena Fairchild, Dr Suha Priyadarshini Chakravorty, and Daniel Jarvis and assistant producer Tazminah Edoo, who brought Ivy's story to life. Music by Shek Jasim and Nirjhar Chowdhury amplified the drama's emotional depth, while poetic recitations by Sarwar-e-Alam, performed by Urmee Mazher, added a lyrical layer to the storytelling.

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"A Rising Lioness" stands as a moving example, reflecting Ivy's indomitable spirit, chronicling her journey from despair to hope and her relentless advocacy for equality and inclusion. The production reminds audiences that beauty transcends physical appearance, residing instead in resilience and the courage to overcome challenges. 

With its universal message of hope, "A Rising Lioness: In Search of Beauty" speaks not only to burn survivors but to anyone facing disabilities, neurodiversity, or societal exclusion. By portraying a journey of courage and transformation, the production inspires reflection on the values of empathy, and inclusion, and celebrates the human spirit of resilience.