Performing Group
At the core of the Darpana Academy is a group of highly trained and multidisciplinary artists proficient not only in dance or music but in theatre, the martial arts and other related forms, using many disciplines and many languages. The artists, forming the Darpana Performing Group train and work together everyday and perform either as a group or individually. Performances range from classical and contemporary dance to musical theatre, folk theatre and puppetry, with a wide and varied repertoire. Guest composers, choreographers and other artists often collaborate in productions.
The group works closely with Natarani, Darpana's multicultural arts centre, and with Darpana Communications and Darpana for Development on issues to sensitize the public.
India: Then, Now, Forever:
Darpana created a special programme for IBM's launch of Business on Command early this month. Conceived by Mallika Sarabhai for IBM's new initiative, the performance traces the long history of Indian culture, its plurality, its multiple strands, and its inherent ability to be new, innovative and dynamic. The production premiered at two CEO meets in Delhi and Mumbai in early May.
Western Woman:
The idea for Western Woman was born beneath a mosquito net on the banks of the Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad, India, where Rita Maffei, having been awarded a UNESCO prize, was working with the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts as Artist in Residence.
Western Woman, as the title suggests, relates the experience of a woman from the Western world, a woman who embarks on a journey to a foreign land and once there, finds herself being forced to confront her fears. Hers are the fears of every westerner, namely our inability to face and come to terms with that which is "foreign" to us, that which is different, that which alarms us, that from which we hide.
In this rites of passage journey, there is a kind of Fairy God Mother, Mother India, symbol of that other part of the world, the other part of the self. Poised between tradition and contemporaneity, Mother India accompanies and guides our protagonist on a journey between past and present, between myth and reality.
In an original stage play which combines Indian dance, music and video footage and interweaves quotes from both Western and Eastern writer, past and present, Western Woman ironically and light-heartedly describes the equivocal nature of Western culture and identity, causing us to examine our consciences with regards the consequences of Western well-being and privilege.
Darpana to tour the US in October:
The Darpana Performing Group is scheduled to tour the United States in October 2005 with its Hot Talas Cool Rasas. The production, having toured China in early 2002 showcases a diverse selection of Indian contemporary dance and includes a number of pieces performed to the music of the likes of Indian Ocean and L. Subramaniam.
Current cities on Darpana's circuit include New York (October 12,13 & 14), New Brunswick (October 16), Maryland (October 22-27), and Washington (October 29). Please check back later for a detailed programme and schedule.
» International Booking Information
SVA Kranti:
Mallika Sarabhai creates a new production for the Satyagrah festival, Kalapriya, Chicago, May 2005. This performance piece, using theatre, dance, music and personal narrative is the performer's search into the meaning of Satyagrah, into the roots of her history and that of other women who turn sacrifice into revolutionary change.
