The production, which was run as part of the DiverseCity KL 2016 festival, was helmed by world-leading Flamenco dancer and choreographer Antonio Vargas of Singaporean dance school Flamenco Sin Fronteras, alongside composers Nawaz Mohamad Mirajigar and Renu Suresh of the Temple of Fine Arts International.
“We did this project last year in Singapore for the Esplanade, a production called Anthar-Agni. That was a programme in Singapore’s Concert Hall, where we had this two styles of dance – a bigger production with two kathak dancers and two flamenco dancers. This was in conjunction with Singapore’s 50th anniversary celebration,” Nawaz told FMT.
“Anthar-Agni is Sanskrit for ‘the fire within us’. We did a repertoire of seven pieces, and 50 musicians including a 20-member choir,” Renu added.
Last weekend’s production was a smaller, two-woman affair, with flamenco dancer Daphne Huang Vargas of Sin Fronteras and kathak dancer Manjula Radha Krishnan of the Temple of Fine Arts International showcasing the merits of the two dances – which are historically linked across geographical borders.
Renu explained that the two dance styles are related, with documentation showing how kathak dancers from Rajasthan travelled to Spain, where they met the gypsies.
“The origins of flamenco is from Rajasthan,” Antonio, who also played the cajon drums for the production next to dhala percussionist Nawaz, elaborated.
“They left around about the sixth century because of the Aryan invasions, and wandered around Persia, Armenia, Greece and Turkey. Others went to Egypt and Morocco. And still others went to the south of France, where there are also gypsies.
“This is why you hear similarities between the two dances, especially in the structure. In flamenco, it works as a trilogy of singer, guitarist and dancer. It’s the same for kathak: singer, tablas and singer. We found a way to show its origins and evolution.”
Renu explained that the movements, footwork and hand gestures were also very similar.
“There’s a similar fieriness (about the two dances),” she said.
“We want to get to know our roots. It’s quite amazing to see how similar and yet so different both styles are, and to see how they both come together,” Nawaz added.
“Everyone should watch how this works. It’s a very different way of appreciating art.”