Arts Picks: Indian dance show Kathak Pravaha, Chinese dance poem A Symphony Of Life
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Kathak Pravaha 2024 features a dance collaboration between Bhupali Deshpande (left), Sharul Mohammed and their dancers.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF KALAPRAVAHA – HOME OF PERFORMING ARTS
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Kathak Pravaha 2024
The Indian classical dance show Kathak Pravaha returns for one night to celebrate the rich heritage of the Kathak dance form.
The theme for 2024 is Panchamahabhuta, focusing on the five elements of space, air, fire, water and earth. Choreographed by Bhupali Deshpande, the production is aimed at all audiences regardless of their knowledge of Kathak or Indian classical dance.
Organised by Kalapravaha – Home of Performing Arts, the production series began in 2015 with the goal of bringing the storytelling dance form of Kathak to new and existing audiences.
A special collaboration with Malay dance artists blends the elegance of Kathak with the dynamic energy of Malay dance. A joint segment will feature dancer-choreographer Sharul Mohammed along with two dancers from his dance collective, S4cred Conn8tion (Sacred Connection).
Where: The Grassroots’ Club Auditorium, 190 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8
MRT: Yio Chu Kang
When: Sept 1, 5pm
Admission: $20
Info: www.instagram.com/kalapravaha
A Symphony Of Life
A Symphony Of Life is the third dance performance in the 10th anniversary season of Singapore Chinese Dance Theatre under its current name.
PHOTO: ESPLANADE – THEATRES BY THE BAY
Singapore Chinese Dance Theatre (SCDT) presents the dance poem A Symphony Of Life as its latest production. Choreographed by company artist director Neo Jenny with a finale by Benedict Soh, the performance embodies the “river of life” metaphor as a call for people to come together under a common purpose.
Set in a garden city, it furthers the dance company’s commitment to the exploration and development of Singapore’s identity through the form of Chinese dance. Centring on a meandering river to symbolise a perpetual flow, the performance portrays individuals unifying to become a team.
The company began in 1988 as a troupe of around 30 dance enthusiasts ranging from students to adults, and was officially formed two years later by Madam Lim Moi Kim as part of the Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan Arts & Cultural Troupe. Its first ticketed production was ACT Dance Night at the Victoria Theatre in 1991.
Since then, SCDT has continuously upheld the high quality of Chinese dance in Singapore, nurturing new dancers through its dance education programme. It also runs school programmes and two annual community outreach programmes titled Under the BIG Tree and Chinese Dance Fiesta.
Where: Singtel Waterfront Theatre at Esplanade, 8 Raffles Avenue
MRT: Esplanade
When: Sept 6 and 7, 3 and 8pm
Admission: From $36
Info: esplanade.com/scdt
Inception & Foresight
Navigator is Japanese visual artist Kenji Yanobe’s first Ship’s Cats sculpture to be exhibited in South-east Asia.
PHOTO: I.F. GALLERY
A new art gallery specialising in contemporary and modern artworks by Japanese artists presents its eponymous debut exhibition, Inception & Foresight. Taking the initials of these two words as its name, I.F. Gallery aims to showcase works and artists that have been lost to history or not yet received due recognition.
Among the artworks exhibited are a 3m-tall cat sculpture by acclaimed Japanese visual artist Kenji Yanobe. Titled Navigator, the work was created specifically for Singapore, featuring a star on its left arm and crescent moon on its right to embody the Singapore flag.
It is the first of his Ship’s Cats series of sculptures to be exhibited in South-east Asia, with the rest being scattered across Japan.
Where: I.F. Gallery, 45 Tras Street
MRT: Tanjong Pagar/Maxwell
When: Until Oct 11, 11am to 7pm daily
Admission: Free
Info: str.sg/7ZTC
