Parul Shah Dance Company premieres History of Unforgetting October 3 & 4, NYC September 27,
2008
Dates:
Venue:
Tickets:
Visit the company's web site:
www.kathakdance.com
Building upon the dance form's storytelling roots, Parul Shah tells stories that are at once old and new, universal as well as specific. The roots of her technique are traditional Kathak, which she brings forward into New York's ever-changing, global culture. "History of unforgetting" was created to acknowledge the artistic contributions of the South Asian female temple-court artists, while exploring their multifaceted identities. The tradition of female temple-court artists, dating back over 2,000 years, presents a compelling paradox. This system was created to serve as entertainment for a patriarchal society, subjugating female artists to live a life outside the social norms for women of their time. Later, when the practice was outlawed by the British, the temple-court artists were ostracized by society, their honor and identity questioned. With their patronage ended, many were forced into prostitution to survive. Although the classical art forms were later revived and have regained their place in South Asian culture today, the elitists who learned the arts never fully acknowledged their teachers, fearing the old stigmas. ‘History of unforgetting’ illustrates the injustices these women had to endure, while shedding light on their contributions to the South Asian art forms that continue to flourish today. Parul Shah has commissioned much of the music for her new work from French composer Nicolas Lelievre of Rouen. Press quotes
"A young Indian classical dancer
whose strong edge and respect for tradition add up to an exciting appeal
with a difference."
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Parul
Shah, exceptional young artist of Kathak dance, will present her company
in the new HISTORY OF UNFORGETTING, inspired by the South Asian female
temple-court artists, October 3 & 4 at Dance New Amsterdam.
