Twenty years on, Vanessa and Aravindan look back at the day their families met for the first time and what began as an unexpected romance became strained by cultural difference. 

Their 21st century relationship is set against the life of 18th century botanist Carl Linneaus, whose early attempts to classify all living things had far-reaching and devastating consequences.

Altered Skin has developed a trademark blend of movement and sharply written text to create dynamic work that uses universal stories and life events as a framework to explore far deeper themes. 

Performance dates 2026

Saturday 28th February Derby Theatre

Tuesday 3rd March Proteus Creation Space, Basingstoke

Thursday 5th March Wolverhampton Arena

Thursday 12th March Touchstones at Rochdale Ukrainian Club

 

 

Conceived by Shane Shambhu

​Created by Shane Shambhu in collaboration with​:
Performer – Shireenah Ingram
Co-Director – Angela Ekaette Michaels
Production ​Designer – Maariyah Sharjil
Video and ​Lighting ​Designer – Gillian Tan
Composer – Archita Kumar
Sound Designer – Gerry Smith
Producer – SJ Watkinson
Production Manager – Elliot Mitchell
Production Assistant – Amelia Cameron
Photography – Graeme Braidwood
The Artist Wellbeing Company (Eshmit Kaur) – Wellbeing Support
Accuracy Reader – Elexi Walker

 

Research and development

Dramaturg – Gail Babb
Creative Consultants – ‘Funmi Adewole and Ashlee Roberts
Script Consultant – Arzhang Pezhman
Devisors – Kimisha Lewis & Rav Moore, Taja Christian & Hamza Ali