Creations by Kumudini Lakhia promises to be a kaleidoscopic dance performance that starts off with Samanvay, a composition in the classical Kathak format where one sees the use of various floor patterns as well as structures appearing and changing into movements where space becomes a part of the dance. This is followed by Thumri, the abhinaya or narrative aspect of the traditional Kathak dance where the dancer expresses the lyrics of the song through hand and facial expressions. Gat-Gati is yet another abstract form of ‘Nritta’ which is a composition in two different ‘Taalas’ (rhythm patterns) where the dancers exhibit their skill and control on the Kathak technique. Sufism is an intensely spiritual belief system which teaches harmony and humanitarian values. It is concerned with the personal and mystical experience of God conveyed through dance, music, poetry and passionate yearning for the beloved. This piece tries to understand the message of the great Sufi tradition using the technique of the classical Kathak dance which also boasts of the body turning in circles when in ecstasy.
Cast and Creative team for August Dance Residency:Creations By Kumudini Lakhia at Tata Theatre