After full-house shows in Mumbai and Delhi, Chitresh Das Institute (CDI) of San Francisco presented a contemporary Kathak dance piece, ‘Invoking the River’, in association with t2 at the GD Birla Sabhagar on February 4. Choreographed by Charlotte Moraga, the performance unveiled the intricate tapestry of each dancer’s association with particular holy waterways, creating a poignant exploration of joy, turmoil, grief and liberation. Indian pianist-composer Utsav Lal and Ustad Naushad Ahmed collaborated with Moraga to bring alive this performance that invoked the spirit of the rivers.
Moraga’s role and commitment to weaving and nurturing each dancer’s personal story to the large picture was profoundly visible throughout the performance. The dancers — Vanita Mundhra, Shruti Pai, Mayuka Sarukkai and Kritika Sharma — echoed the fluidity of the rivers, highlighting their creative and destructive aspects.
As Moraga emphasised, “Every river in India is intertwined with goddesses, that in turn harbours a personal story with each of the dancers. The dance is a way for them as an artist to channel their stories with the larger picture of the land.”
‘Invoking the River’ was more than just a dance performance; it offered a cultural odyssey, a celebration of inter-connectedness and a poignant commentary on environmental challenges. The dancers, guided by Moraga’s vision, seamlessly embodied the essence of each sacred river, inviting the audience to reflect on their own connections with nature and the pressing need for collective action to protect these waterways. Glimpses.
Charlotte Moraga
