Spectrum 2024 – Contemporary Dance

by Jayachandran Palazhy & Attakkalari Centre for Movement Arts

Jayachandran Palazhy is a changemaker, visionary leader, choreographer and the Artistic Director of Attakkalari Centre for Movement Arts, Bengaluru. His multimedia dance productions have received critical acclaim and toured internationally. He is the Director of Attakkalari India Biennial festival, FACETS Choreography Residency, Incubation Centre for Arts & Media, NAGARIKA research and documentation project and many education initiatives. He has worked as director, consultant and mentor and is a visiting faculty member in reputed universities in India and abroad. He has received awards as well as recognition for his choreography and other contributions to dance. The Attakkalari Dance Company is the performance wing of Attakkalari Centre for Movement Arts, India’s premiere contemporary dance organisation. Invested in education, training, research, choreography, productions, performances, festivals, stage technologies, transdisciplinary exchanges and collaborations, Attakkalari has developed strategic global partnerships for projects and events and has succeeded in transforming Bengaluru into a hub for contemporary dance in South Asia.

The presentation will include different pieces exploring various aspects of human existence. Set in response to the poignant sight of migrants journeying back to their distant villages amidst India’s sudden lockdown due to Covid-19, Jeeva Pravaaha peeks into human experiences and memories, diverging from glorifying India’s megacities or their architecture. It delves into the intricate human connections expressed by great poets of the era, envisioning freedom from grandeur and praising wandering devotees carrying divinity within. Seamlessly blending heritage, memories and contemporary cityscapes, the performance unfolds the transformation of the notion of home—from a refuge to a place evoking seclusion and tension. Prayer of a different kind, Kabir’s poem set to tune by Kumar Gandharva, is a piece developed and performed by Attakkalari’s rehearsal director and choreographer Hemabharathy Palani, who moves effortlessly to the iconic music of acclaimed singer Bindhu Malini. Reflections draws inspiration from the distilled geometry and poetic grace of classical dance Bharatanatyam and portrays the inner sanctity and elegance through the precision and dexterity of the moves of the dancers. Nava Durga, created during the lockdown and based on the images of Goddess Durga by nine contemporary female painters, explores the plight of contemporary Indian women, their trials and tribulations, and their fight for justice and equality. Vanna Vativukal explores the male and the female energies that exist within us, particularly the playful nature of the period of courtship. Set to specially composed music by MIDIval Punditz, images of rites of passage of time and rituals as well as elements, such as water, are invoked in this celebration of sensuality. 

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