KARTIKEYA
Whitireia Performance Centre, 25-27 Vivian Street, Wellington
04/08/2017 - 06/08/2017
Production Details
The acclaimed Mudra Dance Company are back to perform at the Whitireia Theatre in Wellington in the dramatic new production of Kartikeya.
Kartikeya is the younger son of Lord Shiva, and is the beloved deity of the Tamil people. There is not a village in South India, however small, which does not possess a shrine to this powerful deity. Kartikeya, the warrior son of Lord Shiva, is cosmologically linked to the Pleiades, the cluster of six stars that lie in a nearby area of our galaxy, 400 light years distant. As the god of war, Kartikeya is the destroyer of demons. Kartikeya crushes evil forces – external and internal – removes ignorance, and bestows eternal knowledge.
Kartikeya will be a kaleidoscope of motion, colour, music, mime, and rhythm. The dances highlight Kinra’s choreography which combines innovative and traditional elements of dance. Characterised by exotic beauty and charm, Mudra Dance Company is a visual feast of brilliant sari colours, traditional headdresses of braids and flowers, and the sparkle of gorgeous jewellery.
Mudra Dance Company will excite the audience with fast-moving dramatic dance pieces that will showcase the incredible talent of this highly regarded dance company.
Whitireia Performance Centre, 25-27 Vivian St, Te Aro, Wellington
- Waged: $30.00
- Concession (Group 6+): $25.00
- Student: $20.00
- Concession (Unwaged): $25.00
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Indian classical dance , Dance ,
2 hours
Tamil deity brought to life
Review by Donna Banicevich Gera 05th Aug 2017
Presented by Mudra Dance Company, Kartikeya – Hindu God of War, the Warrior Son of Lord Shiva opened last night at the Whitireia Performance Centre in Vivian St, Wellington. This dance work interprets the role of this beloved deity of the Tamil people.
Vivek Kinra, Artistic Director, does an amazing job. His talent is undeniable. Accordingly, as the God of War, Katikeya is the destroyer of demons. He crushes evil forces, external and internal, and bestows eternal knowledge. It is Kinra’s creative interpretation and choreography of this history we are privy to.
You could be forgiven for thinking you had stepped into another world. The rich aroma of Indian treats wafts around the foyer, fresh flowers exquisitely arranged drop from the wings of the stage like water falls, and the intoxicating sounds of Indian music fills your inner being.
Once the show begins, the repertoire of Kartikeya is narrated to the audience by compere Kanjal Patel, who provides a clear overview to each item. It is beautifully explained for the uninformed, and sets up the individual dances that follow. We are well placed to embrace the richness of spirit within Indian culture.
The dancers are also fully immersed in the story. It is truly mesmerising watching the flick of the hand, the arch of the body, the toss of the head, the glance of the eye, and the strong stamp of the foot. Their focus never waivers. We are privy to a performance that goes way beyond a simple interpretation of a narrative. This is an introduction to a philosophy and a way of life. The significance goes without question.
This production is also visually stunning. The intensity of the dance embraces jewel colours, combining elaborate fabrics, and intriguing costume design rich with jewels and embroidery. Lighting effects mirror the spectrums of turquoise, orange and varying shades of red. The world is alive.
I’m surrounded by members of the Indian community as I sit transported into this other place and I can’t help but feel how special this is. How magical to see stories from a homeland brought to life like this on the New Zealand stage. I feel honoured to be there. This is a powerful performance, rich with skill and culture, which is well worth the experience.
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