Mehfils: A Studio Theatre Takeover: Shift Octatonic

If you’re looking for something a bit different in Brighton’s cultural calendar, the Brighton Dome is hosting Mehfils: A Studio Theatre Takeover: Shift Octatonic on 23 May 2026. A Mehfil is traditionally a gathering where performers and the audience share the rasa, or the emotional essence, of South Asian classical arts. This specific event marks the start of a new series called 'A Studio Theatre Takeover', curated by the artistic director of zerOclassikal, Jonathan Mayer. It’s designed to be a relaxed environment, moving away from the formality often associated with classical performances, allowing for a more direct connection between the stage and the room.

The programme focuses on an experimental approach to music, specifically exploring the octatonic scale within a raag context. Jonathan Mayer is looking at the migration of this scale, tracing its path from Persia to the West and eventually into South Asian music. The performance blends these historical transpositions with electronic raag and taal. It’s an interesting mix of traditional foundations and modern electronic elements, aiming to show how these musical structures can evolve and interact in a contemporary setting. By using the octatonic scale as a bridge, the performance highlights the fluidity of musical traditions as they travel across borders and time.

Since this is the first instalment of the series, it offers a chance to see how Mayer is shaping this takeover of the studio theatre space. The setting is intended to be informal, which changes how the music is experienced compared to a standard concert hall layout. If you’re interested in how classical South Asian arts are being reinterpreted through electronic soundscapes, this session at the Brighton Dome provides a direct look at that process. It’s a specific, curated look at how these musical traditions are being adapted today, and it’s worth noting that the event is structured to encourage a shared experience between the performers and the audience. It’s a focused way to spend an evening in the city, exploring the intersection of ancient raag and modern electronic production.