“… A joyous incarnation of how humans are able to negotiate, to give and take respectfully, peacefully, selflessly – without losing their sense of identity or self-worth.”
– Marion Potts
The essence of traditional Indian Kathak is based on hierarchies and power. The musician or Tabla (drum) player is at the top. They lead and the dancer follows, and at no point would the musician ever leave their designated platform on stage left. Similarly, the dancer must never touch the musician during the performance. This is the way it has always been.
But what happens when these roles are reversed? What happens when the musician comes into the dancer’s space? What happens if the dancer starts playing the Tabla; if the dancer takes control?
In TWO Raghav Handa lovingly explores historical formalities and traditions and challenges them through a highly physical and playful dance vocabulary. Unlike traditional Kathak, he introduces “live-responsiveness” and unpredictability into the interactions between musician and dancer.
While respectful of tradition, TWO is risk taking and experimental in its performance, demonstrating that creativity and diversity can in fact nurture growth and enrichment.
