April 27, 2024 04:23 (IST)
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British Council hosts a dance drama by Candoco dance group
Kolkata, Mar 27 (IBNS): British Council on Saturday presented a dance drama performance by the internationally acclaimed Candoco Dance Company at ICCR in Kolkata.
The act “Studies for C” has been composed by the award winning choreographer Javier de Frutos. This dance company has a specialty of involving dancers from both disabled and non-disabled background.
Drawing inspiration from Tennesse William’s play Camino Real and Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, this enactment represented a couple, who are trapped in a stagnating relationship. Unable to escape their domestic world, they inhabit because their reliance upon each other has become very strong.
The emotional power play of the dance was intensified by Mexican wrestling masks and ranchera music by Lila Downs. The costumes were designed by de Frutos.
On being asked about the theme of this dance, a performer Dan told IBNS “I want myself to be termed as man and not as disabled. Thus, the concept of this dance focuses on the art of disability, and also, on the notion of getting break free from the existential crisis, of modern world.”
After the performance, a panel discussion was organized on the art of Inclusive dance practice or Disability in the Arts- a perspective to be propagated Globally and Locally.
The panalists included Dan Daw and Mirjam Gurtner, the two dancers of Condoco Dance Company, Sujata Sen.Director, British Council East India, Priti Patel of Anjika Dance Group and dancer and Lecturer Royona Mitra.
Studies for C, like Candoco’s entire repertoire , was performed by members from both disabled and non-disabled dancers. The duet performance attempted to create an ambience for the audience and participants to alter their mindset and broaden their perceptions for art and ability.
Condoco’s inclusive approach to dance practice follows the Social Model of Disability.
According to the panelists, people’s negative consideration of disabled persons are more persuaded by the barriers of the society, which has to be removed immediately. There should be friendly environment and access to opportunities and training centers for the disabled, then only inclusiveness is possible.
Sujata Sen said: “Through our association with Candoco Dance Company we are delighted to bring to India for the very first time a duet performance by award winning choreographer Javier de Frutos. The British council aims to bring the best of artistic talent and collaborations to India, to strengthen ties between UK and India and make audiences aware of the talent in both countries. We are also grateful for the support of partners in UK and India.”
Marianne Mogendorff, Programme and Touring Producer, Candoco Dance Company said, “This is an exciting opportunity for Candoco to forge new links across India and to give audiences the chance to experience our work live. 2016 is our 25th anniversary year and we hope that this visit is just the beginning of our collaboration with venues and artists in India.”
It has been mentioned that Candoco has been commissioning world class choreographers to make work for the company for 25 years, in the duration time of which they have travelled to 59 countries.
Besides, presenting their dance performance on Studies for C in Kolkata, Candoco Dance Company also displayed the same in Chennai and Delhi.
(Reporting by Aninnya Sarkar, Images by Sandip Roy/IBNS)
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