Suha Chakravorty is the director of the School of Oriental and African Studies – Indian Dance Society’s upcoming performance of ‘Adajhyo – The Unburnable’. SOAS IDS is a student led dance community established in 2013. IDS welcomes, introduced and acquaints those who are keen with the folk, classic and martial dances of India. The IDS continues to create performances with non-dancers, present students and alumni under careful mentoring or professional performers in order to understand various styles and aesthetics that inform the field of Indian dance.
How has the process for ‘Adajhyo – The Unburnable’ been for you so far?
“The process has been mind boggling for us and this piece is a result of a lot of nerve racking idealisation and hard work in terms of both the thematic arrangements of the scenes physically and weaving it together with the dance and music along with elements of physical theatre.”
What have been some of the most memorable moments of this process?
“The most memorable moments being choreographing some of the steps to resemble the Haka dance but through a body rhythm that also brings out the traditional elements of Chhau dance and the use of masks at different points in the performance.”
How has the use of different mediums, such as dance poetry, etc., lent itself to the telling of the story?
“The use of dance and live music overall heightens the production and gives it a dimension that can only be felt when one sits through the experience of the play.”
Considering the current sociopolitical climate today, what is the significance of putting on this show?
“Considering the current social political climate it is just apt for this production to take place simply because it is a sharp rejoinder/ retort on everyday gender objectification and gender-based violence we face, brings out the subtle mockery we make of ourselves in the way we live today!”
What message do you want the audience to keep in mind when watching this show?
“This performance piece is a journey… an experience that one is thrown into rather than one of passive spectating. It is an interactive show and meant for audiences strictly 16+ up and will also have a Q and A after the performance.”
Adajhyo – The Unburnable
November 23rd