After a successful tour in Japan, internationally renowned Turkish Cypriot dancer Özgen is back in Britain to perform his hit show Aşk (Love) in Manchester. Working with Salford-based Taste of Cairo entertainment agency, and local dancers and musicians, Özgen will stage the show at Z‑arts Studio in Hulme at the end of June.

Drawing on Turkish music and culture, Aşk is a stunning two hour dance theatre show about love and loss. Created and choreographed by Özgen, the audience is taken on a journey of dark passion, jealousy, romance and deep sorrow through two different love stories.

The first act is set in a Turkish Romany camp and focuses on two lovers competing for the affections of the same woman. In the second half, we move to the opulent Ottoman Court, where the sultan falls in love and then must deal with the pain of a love lost forever.

The cast is a mix of professional and amateur dancers, as part of the show’s aim is to empower women at different stages of their dance journey through the Turkish dance. Over a five week period they have learnt choreographies to be ready to perform alongside Özgen on June 30.

Taste of Cairo director Tracey Gibbs, said: “We’re so excited to have Özgen here in Manchester and bringing the community together. It’s a real coup for the city and I’m sure that audiences from across the country will enjoy celebrating this magic performance with us.”

The multi-cultural production includes a Sufi performance and poetry, as well as Chinese Classical dance. Also joining the production are members of the Manchester Turkish British Association (MTBA) Choir, with Egyptian Tanora a special guest performer.

The show is likely to sell out, so advance purchase is highly recommended.

About the show

Show: Aşk / Love

Date: Thursday 30 June 2016

Start time: 19.30pm: two hours with a 15-minute interval

Venue: Z-arts, 335 Stretford Road, Hulme, Manchester, M15 5ZA

Tickets: £18 / £12 concessions

More info: z-arts.org/love-ask