In our ongoing Edinburgh Fringe interview series, we are speaking to artists and creatives who are bringing their shows to the Scottish capital this summer.
In this interview, Saeed Hani discusses their show Inlet (by Hani Dance)
What can you tell me in your words about your show?
Inlet is a visual, movement-driven reflection on the walls we build - physically, politically and within ourselves. It's a piece that invites the audience to engage with the boundaries we accept and the boundaries we inherit and to ask: what lies beyond?
Where did the inspiration for this piece come from?
The idea came from the myth of Rome's founding - the moment when Romulus kills Remus because he crosses a wall. This story has stayed with me, not only because of its violence, but also because of its symbolism. I grew up in the middle east with many kinds of walls - visible and invisible - and Inlet is my way of unpacking them.
Inlet is a visual, movement-driven reflection on the walls we build - physically, politically and within ourselves. It's a piece that invites the audience to engage with the boundaries we accept and the boundaries we inherit and to ask: what lies beyond?
Where did the inspiration for this piece come from?
The idea came from the myth of Rome's founding - the moment when Romulus kills Remus because he crosses a wall. This story has stayed with me, not only because of its violence, but also because of its symbolism. I grew up in the middle east with many kinds of walls - visible and invisible - and Inlet is my way of unpacking them.
How did you go about developing the piece?
Development began almost six months in advance. My process always starts with a clear image - a moment, a situation, sometimes even a symbolic gesture. I place the dancers in this image and ask them to improvise, to transform the situation physically into movement. Then I observe closely, pause, take elements from their interpretation, reshape them and begin to compose. The result is very collaborative, yet guided - because the image itself is already quite defined. From there, it's about figuring out how to make the image move, breathe and speak.
How would you describe the style of the show?
I call it Movement-Art. It goes beyond traditional contemporary dance - it is raw, emotionally genuine and designed to evoke thought through form, space and presence.
Can you describe the show in 3 words?
Raw. Thoughtful. Unbound.
How do you prepare mentally and physically for a show like the Fringe?
By staying rooted in the intention of the performance. Physically dancers train daily, mentally we reconnect with the emotional core of the Art-piece - so that every performance feels immediate and true.
Apart from your show, what are you most looking forward to when you are in Edinburgh?
The energy. There's something magnetic about the Fringe - the coming together of artists, voices and audiences from all over the world creates a rare and inspiring atmosphere.
Development began almost six months in advance. My process always starts with a clear image - a moment, a situation, sometimes even a symbolic gesture. I place the dancers in this image and ask them to improvise, to transform the situation physically into movement. Then I observe closely, pause, take elements from their interpretation, reshape them and begin to compose. The result is very collaborative, yet guided - because the image itself is already quite defined. From there, it's about figuring out how to make the image move, breathe and speak.
How would you describe the style of the show?
I call it Movement-Art. It goes beyond traditional contemporary dance - it is raw, emotionally genuine and designed to evoke thought through form, space and presence.
Can you describe the show in 3 words?
Raw. Thoughtful. Unbound.
How do you prepare mentally and physically for a show like the Fringe?
By staying rooted in the intention of the performance. Physically dancers train daily, mentally we reconnect with the emotional core of the Art-piece - so that every performance feels immediate and true.
Apart from your show, what are you most looking forward to when you are in Edinburgh?
The energy. There's something magnetic about the Fringe - the coming together of artists, voices and audiences from all over the world creates a rare and inspiring atmosphere.
Are there any other shows at the Fringe that you would recommend?
I'm always on the lookout for work that boldly experiments with form, especially international artists who are pushing the boundaries of movement or visual storytelling. There are too many to name just one!
What was the first piece of theatre you saw that made a big impression on you?
It was a political street performance I saw as a teenager in Syria - wordless, raw and powerful. It showed me that movement can speak where words cannot.
What do you hope the audience will take away from seeing the show?
I hope they question the boundaries in their own lives - not just the physical ones, but also the mental and emotional ones. And that they take away a sense of possibility for something freer, more open.
Where and when can people see your show?
Inlet will be performed at the Fringe Festival 2025, from August 1st to 23rd at 17:30 daily (with performances Wednesday to Sunday — we’re off on Mondays and Tuesdays). You can find us at Assembly @ Dance Base, Studio DB1. The show runs for 60 minutes, and tickets start from £15.00. It’s part of the Dance, Physical Theatre, and Performance Art category — we’d love to have you with us.
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