NCPA to Welcome Ability Unlimited's MIRACLE ON WHEELS, June 7-8

The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), Mumbai, India's premiere arts and culture institution, has always appreciated and welcomed artists from across genres to perform and showcase their talent. This June, the NCPA extends this platform to a unique group of differently-abled artistes who have made their wheelchairs an icon of liberation. This pioneering initiative by the NCPA pays tribute to this immense talent with an exciting show Miracle on Wheels on June 7th, 2013 and a lecture-demonstration on June 8th, 2013 in association with Ability Unlimited.

Miracle on Wheels is an attempt to challenge the notions of what is often referred to as a disability and steer the ground towards being able to understand it as much more fluid concept. The main objective of the event is to endorse accessibility for all and also initiate conversations that help the differently-abled integrate better.

The show will include a number of elements from Bharatanatyam, Yoga, the Bhagawad Gita and Sufism, all performed on wheelchairs. Miracle on Wheels promises to transport the audience to a different high, beyond the regular performances in the city. Ability Unlimited's innovative and aesthetically crafted dance-theatre recitals are educative, motivating and entertaining.

On June 8th, 2013, the NCPA also presents a unique opportunity to Mumbaikars where the founder-choreographer of Ability Unlimited, Sallauddin Pasha, will conduct a lecture demonstration, addressing aspiring individuals to teach dance to the differently-abled. The man behind the extraordinary performances of Ability Unlimited will demonstrate his inspiring teaching techniques and talk about his interdisciplinary approach. This session is free to attend for everyone, on a first-come-first-served basis.

Swapnokalpa Dasgupta, Head - Programming (Dance), NCPA says, "This is our endeavor to take forward our commitment towards promoting dance and to include the exceptionally talented differently abled performers into the mainstream. We are proud to kick-start this initiative with a performance by Ability Unlimited. Also, the workshop by Sallauddin Pasha will help understand the processes employed to teach dance to the differently-abled. Also, this is an extension of the NCPA's emphasis on making public spaces accessible to the differently-abled. Our own premises too, have been built in a way to facilitate this."

The events will begin on 7th June, Friday, 2013 at 7pm, with Miracle On Wheels, Dance Performance on wheel chairs by Ability Unlimited, performing at the Tata Theatre. Rs.500, 400 & 200/- (Members & Public). On 8th June, Saturday 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm, there will be a Lecture Demonstration by Ability Unlimited founder-choreographer Sallauddin Pasha in the Little Theatre. Admission on a first-come-first-served basis. Register in advance by emailing Binaifar Bhesania on bbhesania@ncpamumbai.com or calling her on 9869112010.

Call the Box Office at 66223724/ 66223754 to book tickets To use the online booking facility: visit the official NCPA website www.ncpamumbai.com/buy-tickets OR http://in.bookmyshow.com/ncpa/Miracle-on-Wheels/ET00015014.

For more information, go to: Facebook: www.facebook.com/NCPAMumbai and Twitter: www.twitter.com/NCPAMumbai.

Ability Unlimited is a voluntary, non-profit organisation established for the benefit of persons with and without disabilities. Since its inception in 1988, Ability Unlimited has strived to create a holistic and dynamic programme aimed at recognising, nurturing, and enabling the hidden potential and talents within differently-abled youngsters. It is committed to changing the apathy, negativity and fear that surrounds the education, employment and arts for the differently-abled through the specially designed professional dance-theatre performances and innovative methodology. It gives the message of equality, dignity and equal opportunities for the differently-abled. More details are available on this website http://abilityunlimited.com/

Opening its doors to the world in 1969, the NCPA became the first multi-venue and multi-purpose cultural centre to be built in South Asia. Vibrant and diverse, the NCPA today is recognized by artistes, patrons and media alike as India's premier performing arts institution. The Centre provides a fine showcase for India's rich performing arts traditions, all thanks to the institution's training and research initiatives.

The NCPA presents over 600 events each year across all major art forms, most notably Indian Music, International Music, Theatre and Film, Dance, and Literature, Visual Arts and Photography. There are Heads of Programming for each of these art forms who curate innovative events and festivals; representative of everything from classical to contemporary throughout the year. The NCPA produces its own programmes as well as collaborates with leading cultural promoters from around the world.

For further information, log on to www.ncpamumbai.com