PRESENTED BY DUSK DANCES INC.

Choreographed by Gouri Kundu and Anita Pandey

Performers: Gouri Kundu and Anita Pandey
Costume Designers: Gouri Kundu and Anita Pandey
Music/Composer:
• "Remain the Sea," from Land of Gold, by Anoushka Shankar, featuring narration by Vanessa Redgrave, with poetry authored by Maza Dohta
• "Tarana in 15 Beats," from Ragas and Rhythms, by Bageshree Vaze
Outside Eye: Parul Gupta

“Astitva” is the Hindi word for “identity/existence.” This work is introspective and seeks to express the vast spectrum of emotions from confliction and pain, to eventual joy and euphoria experienced in the reclaiming of the self through the exploration of one’s identity. “Astitva” follows the dancers through their reflection of their authentic selves as diasporic artists practicing Kathak, an Indian classical dance form, in a foreign land usurped by spaces that cater predominantly to dance styles of Eurocentric origin. The work witnesses a navigation through the emotional dissonance of embracing elements of the western aesthetic, while remaining rooted to Kathak.

Gouri and Anita would like to extend their heartfelt thank yous to both their Gurus, Dr. Malabika Mitra and Urmila Sharma respectively. They are also deeply thankful to the entire Dusk Dances team for believing in their vision and supporting this dance work.

A Dusk Dances premiere.