Classical dance in a modern garb

WHAT'S ON spoke to Mallika Sarabhai, whose Hot Talas Cool Rasas will be performed at the Ishanya Theatre over the weekend

If you want to catch a really good performance, head to Ishanya Theatre for Mallika Sarabhai's enchanting Hot Talas Cool Rasas. The renowned danseuse and theatre personality and the Darpana Performing Group have choreographed the performance. It presents a bouquet of styles and ideas and brings a kaleidoscope of
contemporary dance.

Sarabhai is not only a dancer, but also a noted film-maker, internationally known choreographer, actress, TV anchor, a publisher and so on. But dancing has always remained her first love.u00a0u00a0

Why is the performance called Hot Talas Cool Rasas?
Sarabhai: That is because the show goes through a gamut of different modes and moves from the typically classical to the zany.u00a0

What is the bouquet of styles that is presented?
Sarabhai: The pieces range from the abstract to the funny, from those exploring fusion in music and form, to those dealing with issues of rape, violence, societal hypocrisy and human values. This will reflect the wide spectrum of what we do through the medium of dance and depict what is possible through dance.u00a0

What is the significance of music in your show?
Sarabhai: The music presented here belongs to two very different genres. It ranges from that of known and popular composers like L Subramanium to the music of the popular band Indian Ocean. We were all commissioned together and for me, it was a great experience.

Do you perceive any difference in the Pune audience?u00a0
Sarabhai: I love the Pune audience and it is my favourite audience. I have come to the Ganesh Utsav many times, and there is a great love of culture, literature and theatre here. I would love to come here again and again.

At: Ishanya Amphitheatre, Airport Road, Yerawada. On: January 17, from 7 pm onwards.
Call: 40004141
Tickets available for Rs 400, Rs 600 and Rs 150 (only for students) at Oceanic (MG Road), JBL Store (East Street), DVD Express (Aundh and FC Road) and Videotron (Koregaon Park).

The Darpana Performing Group
The Darpana Academy is a group of highly trained and multidisciplinary artists proficient in dance, music, theatre and the martial arts. The artists train and work together every day and perform either as a group or individually. Performances range from classical and contemporary dance to musical theatre, folk theatre and puppetry, with a wide repertoire.