The First Indian Diva - The Courtesan and The Recording Industry

The exhibition The First Indian Diva - The Courtesan and the Recording Industry will run throughout April in Omnibus Theatre's cafe space to accompany the Gauhar Jaan - The Datia Incident, a play about India's first recording artist, which runs from 10 - 29 April, 7.30pm at the same venue.

The exhibition explores the life of Gauhar Jaan, her bold contribution to world music and the origins of the Indian recording industry at the dawn of the 20th Century.

The First Indian Diva highlights the revolutionary impact that technology had on the development of arts and culture and the importance of the first recorded sound. The exhibition addresses the role of female courtesans in India, the significance and impact of artists such as Gauhar Jaan and the influential role of the early music labels.

The exhibition is curated by Rolf Killius, produced by Anjeli Placzek and kindly supported by EMI Archive Trust and The British Library. High profile musical performances will be staged within the exhibition space on the dates below.

Private View Wed 4th April, 6.30pm - 7.30pm
Closing Event Sat 28th April, 9pm - 11pm