Ibn Batuta’s Travels

Reimagining Ibn Battuta’s Travels: Borders, Movement, and Migration Through the Enduring Power of Storytelling

Taking inspiration from the legendary medieval Arab traveller Ibn Battuta, this devised physical theatre production explores borders, migration, and movement—then and now.

Ibn Battuta journeyed through the Levant and beyond, a region once defined by cultural exchange but now plagued by occupation, fueled by conflict, and fragmented by restrictive borders. This performance reimagines his travels through the lived experiences of Arab diaspora community members in West London, drawing from their personal stories of migration and displacement.

Co-created with participants in collaboration with Grand Junction and Shubbak Festival, and led by directors Tanushka Marah and Yasmeen Ghrawi, Ibn Battuta’s Travels is a visually striking ensemble piece rooted in physicality and collective movement. With minimal dialogue and evocative physicality, it challenges dominant narratives of migration and belonging.

This project is presented in partnership with Seenaryo, an organisation using theatre and play in Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine to support healing, leadership, and learning.Premiering at the 2025 Shubbak Festival, Ibn Battuta’s Travels will continue its journey across the Levant, celebrating unity and resilience through the power of storytelling.