EVENTS OF 2007
Angika: Creation and re-creation in movements
Collaboration with Srishti Dances of India, Pittsburgh
Principal Artists:Sohini Ray, Sanjib Bhattacharya, Sreyashi Dey, Manoranjan Pradhan.
Toured US nationally in Fall 2007
Angika is an exciting production that interweaves two of India's seven primary classical dance styles Odissi and Manipuri to present a unique program of unparalleled beauty and grace, as well as dazzling virtuosity. Based on the historical incident of Vaishnavite religious tradition traveling to Manipur in Northeast India from Orissa and Bengal in Eastern India, the piece depicts the slow merger of these two cultural traditions through dance.
Odissi, the classical dance style from the state of Orissa in eastern India can be traced more than 2,000 years ago having been closely associated with ancient and medieval temple sculpture, marked by exquisite and flowing sculptural movements and subtle "abhinaya" (artistic expression). Manipuri dance repertoire consists of both the ancient pre-Hindu tradition, and the more recently adopted Hindu Vaishnavite tradtion. Technically it consists of both Tandava (forceful and vigorous), and Lasya (graceful and lyrical) elements. As the legend says the primary Vaishnavite deity of Orissa Lord Jagannath was brought to Manipur by an Oriya Brahmin family and slowly Lord Jagannath became a part of Manipuri tradition. Angika explores this syncretism in different levels. It features women’s ritual dance traditions, martial arts traditions of Thang-ta and Mayurbhanj Chhau, and different classical dance pieces showing the similarities and contrasts between the two classical dance style.
Harao-Kummei: celebrations of joy in Manipuri dance
Directed by Sohini Ray and performed by Manipuri Dance Visions Ensemble
on Saturday October 27, 2007 at 8:00 pm.
in Fountain Theater 5060 Fountain Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90029
Tickets $25, Students and Senior $23, Children (under 12) $12.50, DRC members $20. For reservation call Fountain theater (323) 6631525.
