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February, 2014
Vol: 001
 

Spotlight


 

Through a unique initiative, the Way of the Masters, supported by the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, Attakkalari’s newly established Department of Traditional and Folk Performing Arts will be offering a series of Master classes in various disciplines. Attakkalari aims to constitute platforms and avenues for encounter, engagement and exchange of knowledge and ideas between Masters and practitioners of physical and folk traditions on the one hand and contemporary dance practitioners and students on the other, thereby making these traditions relevant for young people and helping to revitalise and preserve the traditional forms. The project will focus on Kalarippayattu (the martial art tradition from Kerala), Chhau (martial dance theatre from Jharkand, Orissa and Bengal), folk forms such as Thevarattam and Silambam from Tamil Nadu and rare and difficult to access forms such as Kootiyattam from Kerala. These forms have influenced several practices across India and to preserve their continued relevance it is important to develop new contemporary physical expressions informed and influenced by these traditions.

Master classes in Kootiyattam acting techniques, Mizhavu percussion, Thevarattam, Silambam and Kalarippayattu will be held in April, May and June.

Kootiyattam, a form of Sanskrit theatre that evolved in Kerala is considered to be one of the oldest of the still existing theatre traditions in the world and was recognized by UNESCO in 2001 as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Kalamandalam V. K. Hariharan (on Mizhavu Drum) and Usha Nangiar (Physical Performer) from Chathakkutam Krishnan Nambiar Mizhzavu Kalari have worked with the legendary Ammannur Madhava Chakyar for many years imbibing the finer aspects of Kootiyattam and Nangiar Koothu. Regarded among the best practitioners of these unique traditions, they have had a distinguished career as performers and teachers and have toured widely within India and internationally. They will be resident artists in Attakkalari during April and May 2014 bringing their unique artistry to the city. They will be presenting a public performance of Nangiar Koothu at Rangashankara on Tuesday, the 8th of May.

 
In the News
 
 

Master Class by Hofesh Shechter


Attakkalari Centre for Movement Arts, Bengaluru in association with the British Council, is proud to host Hofesh Shechter, one of UK’s most exciting contemporary artists. Hofesh’s unique style of choreography, infused with honesty and raw physicality has won him and his company world-wide acclaim.
For the first time in India, Hofesh, along with two performers from his acclaimed company, will lead a Master Class and also hold a Lecture Demonstration at the Attakkalari Studio in Wilson Garden. Well-known for creating highly theatrical and musical works (Hofesh often composes music for his own works as well) this master class is a wonderful opportunity for dance teachers, students, professional dancers and practitioners of physical theatre to explore the Company’s distinctive movement style and their process of creating work.

Master class with Hofesh Shechter
Date: 5th March 2014
Venue: Attakkalari, Bengaluru
Time: 2:00pm – 6:30pm
Participants: Professional dancers & students of dance
Fee: Rs. 2,500/-
Register online here

Lecture demonstration with Hofesh Shechter
Date: 5th March 2014
Venue: Attakkalari, Bengaluru
Time: 7:00pm onwards
Participants: Professional dancers, enthusiasts, potential partners and media

 

Rehearsal director at 18th International Solo-Dance-Theatre Festival 2014, Stuttgart


Hemabharathy Palani, Rehearsal Director and performer at the Attakkalari Repertory Company, has been selected to present her work Trikonanga at the prestigious 18th International Solo-Dance-Theatre Festival 2014 to be held in Stuttgart, Germany from 13th – 16th March, 2014. Hemabharthy, who won the Robert Bosch Young Choreographers Award in 2009, has earlier presented a work in progress version of this piece at Platform 13: Emerging South Asia, as a part of the Attakkalari India Biennial 2013.

Cornelia Albrecht, Director of Administration at Ballet National de Marseilles, France, saw the work at Platform 13, and offered Hema a one month residency as part of the Open Studio at Ballet National de Marseilles in May 2013. Hema created her work Trikonanga during this residency and also did a well received short Studio Presentation of the piece on 23rd, 24th and 25th May 2013. Subsequently, the piece was also presented in Kolkatta on 25th October 2013 as a part of the Prayana Festival organized by Goethe Instiute / Max Mueller Bhavan, Kolkatta in partnership with Attakkalari.

 
 

New classes announced!

 
 

Kalarippayattu Classes


Attakkalari announces community classes in the ancient Keralan martial art form of Kalarippayattu. These classes will be conducted by Raam Kumar, a senior practitioner of this form. Raam has trained for 20 years in Kalarippayattu initially under his grandfather C V Govindan Kutty Nair the founder of CVN Kalari and presently under his uncle, Guru G Sathyanarayanan.

The classes will be introductory in nature and are open to applicants at all levels, including beginners.
Days of Class: Tuesdays and Thursdays
Time: 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Fee: Rs. 2000/- per month
To register, call 080 22123684 / 41467690 or mail attakkalari@gmail.com
Register online here

 

Master Class in Kootiyattam



This unique course led by Usha Nangiar and her daughter Athira, is suitable for dancers, theatre practitioners and other performing artists who are interested to enhance their skill sets and update their practices with the wisdom from this rare tradition. The sessions will include the intricate enactment techniques of Kootiyattam that employ elaborate and detailed movements of the eye, facial muscles and body, coupled with breath, gestures and rhythm.
The classes will be on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th April from 2:00pm to 6:00pm.
The fee for the workshop will be Rs. 1000/-
To register, call 080 22123684 / 41467690 or mail attakkalari@gmail.com
Register online here

     

Mizhavu Percussion Master Class



Master percussionist Kalamandalam Hariharan will lead this session. Hariharan regularly conducts classes for international theatre students from Vasa University (Finland) as well as for theatre practitioners from Chile. The Mizhavu uses the full hand technique of drumming. This evocative instrument provides the soundscape for the dramatic enactments in Kootiyattam and is the soul of the art form.
The classes will be on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th April from 2:00pm to 6:00pm.
The fee for the workshop will be Rs. 1000/-
To register, call 080 22123684 / 41467690 or mail attakkalari@gmail.com
Register online here

 

Attakkalari Summer School



Attakkalari's popular Summer Workshops for children above the age of five years, teenagers and young adults will be held from April 21st - May 3rd at the Attakkalari studios in Wilson Garden, Bengaluru.
The workshops will draw inspiration from martial arts, contemporary dance, hip-hop and theatre, and will culminate with the students presenting a show for their family and friends.

For early bird registrations,
call 080 22123684 / 41467690
or mail attakkalari@gmail.com
Register online here

Photo Credits: Thierry Hauswald, CVN Kalari, The British Council and Attakkalari

Attakkalari Centre for Movement Arts
24-04, BTS Bus Depot Road, Wilson Garden, Bengaluru-560027
Tel: +91 80 2212 3684, 4148 3534, 4146 7690
www.attakkalari.org