Combining theatre, Indian classical and folk dances, and stunning multimedia projections, presenter Mahavidya Dance Theatre promises a mesmerising multigenre experience by award-winning artistes from India and Malaysia.
Mahavidya Dance Theatre is a local non-profit organisation dedicated to teaching performing arts to underprivileged children in the Klang Valley, and providing them with performance opportunities.
“Garuda is mentioned in many cultural traditions practised in India, Indonesia, Thailand, Mongolia, Cambodia, Nepal and elsewhere. This inspired us to conceptualise a performance with Garuda leading the narrative,” founder Sheela Raghavan Tan told FMT Lifestyle.
The show follows Garuda on his quest for the nectar of immortality, guided by a wise yet cantankerous teacher. A dance drama featuring the 10 avatars of Vishnu, based on Hindu and Buddhist mythology, enriches the narrative.
“The avatars depict diverse life forms such as fish, wild boar, half human-half lion chimeras, heroic warriors from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, and Gautama Buddha, to name a few,” Sheela added.
Acclaimed writer and critic Nimala Reghavan contributes music and lyrics, while maestro Kalaimamani S Gopakumar is credited with percussion arrangement, and Sheela with choreography and dance research.
To ensure its stories and dances are accessible to everyone, the performances will feature English surtitles.
Ultimately, Sheela hopes “Reflections” will inspire in viewers a greater appreciation of Indian cultural forms. “They only thrive when there is an audience to sustain them,” she noted.
“By watching this performance, you are supporting the propagation of artistic traditions and arts education for the less privileged in the Klang Valley.”
For invitations and further information, contact 016-225 6993 or follow Mahavidya Dance Theatre on Facebook and Instagram.
‘Reflections’
When:
July 5 & 6 (Friday & Saturday) @ 8pm
Where:
Damansara Performing Arts Centre (DPAC),
H-01, Empire Damansara,
Jalan PJU 8/8, Damansara Perdana,
47820 Petaling Jaya, Selangor