Indian Strings And Dances: Press Release
5 February
2009
The
exhibition, Indian Strings and Dances launches
on 10th April at the Museum of Croydon. This colourful, interactive exhibition
is curated by the London Sitar
Ensemble, the Museum of Croydon
and Sutton Subrang and will showcase
the best in Indian music and dance.
Indian music
and dance is one of the finest traditions in the world. The exhibition will
trace the story of these art forms, tracking the evolutionary changes,
transformations and contributions of musicians and dancers, both famous and
unknown.
The 400-year
history of travel, migration and cultural exchange between India and Britain has
had a significant influence on the cultural scene in Britain. Indian Strings and Dances aims to
explore the significant influence and contribution made by the musicians and
dancers of South Asia in Britain.
The
exhibition will encompass oral history interviews, digital video performances,
displays of musical instruments, costumes and photography across three separate
areas of the Museum. Integral to the exhibition is a programme of events
including lectures and demonstrations.
1
A special Family Day will feature the Sutton Subrang Dance Ensemble
performing a colourful extravaganza of vibrant folk dances from Gujarat as well
as holding Arts and Crafts Workshops. A Dance Workshop welcomes
adults and children to try mastering the graceful Manipuri dance moves from
North East India. The Family Day will end with a Sarod recital by multifaceted artist Somjit
Dasgupta.
A series of
performances by high profile musicians and dancers will include classical dance forms from the temples
of Orissa and Sattriya dance, the oldest spiritual
dance form originating from 15th century Assam. A
highlight of the exhibition will be
performances on rarely heard traditional string instruments such as Sarangi,
Surbahar, Santoor and Sarod as well as cross cultural collaborations of Sitar
with Kora, Cello and Harp.
The
deceased, legendary dancer Ram
Gopal, who spent his last years in a Norbury nursing home was the most
influential dancer from the Indian Sub-Continent. Gopal raised the profile of
Indian Dance in the West and the exhibition pays tribute to him with a display
of one of his famous Garuda
costumes (Eagle costume) and Head
Crown. This will be the first time that it has been displayed publicly after
his death.
For more
information and images please contact Gill Roth on 0207 639 3709 or email mail@gillrothcommunications.com
or Brigid Bradley on 0208 253 1025 email brigid.bradley@croydon.gov.uk
Notes to
editors:
Indian
Strings and Dances is a FREE exhibition at the Museum of
Croydon. The exhibition runs from 10 April to 31 July 2009.