(Shri Manesh Maharaj)
Choreographer Manesh
Maharaj of Kala Darshan has announced the launch of SANKALP – South Africa’s
first annual festival of Indian classical music and dance on July 19 at the
Pattundeen Theatre.
“SANKALP aims to
showcase and revive the solo artist through the Hindustani and Karnatic forms
of music as well as all forms of classical Indian dance,” says Maharaj. “I have
endeavoured to preserve and advance the standard of the Indian classical performing
arts in South Africa through this medium and allow audiences to experience art
of the highest calibre.
“Working together
and supporting each other as artists has always been important to me and a
fundamental part of my journey as I believe that this mindset builds a strong
conducive industry in which every artist is allowed to grow and thrive. I
strongly believe that working in isolation stifles the growth and progress of
art. It is my earnest desire that SANKALP serves as a vehicle for Gurus and
institutes to groom their students as soloists so that they are able to
experience the bliss and joy of performing on such a platform,” he adds.
SANKALP 2015
includes a tabla solo by Shri Revash Maharaj, a Kathak solo by Shri Manesh
Maharaj and a sitar solo by Dr. Kanada Narahari of Bangalore accompanied by
Shri Rajish Lutchman on tabla.
“Not every student
is a soloist A Guru, however, is in a position to recognize and groom a student
as a soloist if he/she shows potential,” Maharaj continues. “This special gift
should not be denied to the shishya or the rasika. Commanding a full-length
performance and engaging an audience for an hour and a half is a spiritual
journey of enlightenment that every deserving student should be afforded. The
root and essence of our classical performing arts is reflected in a solo
presentation. It is my wish for students in South Africa to experience pure
‘Ananda’ as a soloist, the way I have been blessed.”
The festival will
take place on July 19 at 14h00 at the Pattundeen Theatre (ABH – Unit 6
Chatsworth). Tickets R50 booked through 082 422 6865
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