The Absence of PRESENCE

Description

Commissioned by the NCPA, ‘The Absence of PRESENCE’ is produced and presented by the Aditi Mangaldas Dance Company & The Drishtikon Dance Foundation in collaboration with the Symphony Orchestra of India. Childhood – interrupted. Silenced. Scattered across borders. Millions of children exist in the shadows of war – displaced, unseen, unheard. Wounded, orphaned, massacred. What remains when laughter fades? Choreographed by Aditi Mangaldas, with music composed by British composer Rushil Ranjan, Associate Artist of the Royal Albert Hall, London, this heart-wrenching production journeys into the depths of conflict, while revealing the human spirit persisting against all odds, striving towards hope, and creating worlds of fantasy and beauty. The Absence of PRESENCE, featuring an international array of collaborators, exceptional Kathak dancers, and musicians from both Hindustani and Western musical traditions, moves through loss, memory, and grief towards the human instinct to imagine, endure, and live. It is a story of absence. Of what is lost. Of what still lingers. Aditi Mangaldas is one of India’s leading Kathak dancers and choreographers, celebrated internationally for her powerful artistry, technical brilliance and innovative approach to dance. Trained under legendary gurus Kumudini Lakhia and Birju Maharaj, she seamlessly bridges classical Kathak and contemporary movement, creating path-breaking works that address both timeless and contemporary themes. Mangaldas has performed at major festivals across the world and is widely recognised for redefining Kathak for global audiences. She heads the Aditi Mangaldas Dance Company and The Drishtikon Dance Foundation. The Symphony Orchestra of India (SOI), based at the NCPA, is India’s first and only professional symphony orchestra. Founded in 2006 by NCPA Chairman Khushroo N. Suntook and violin virtuoso Marat Bisengaliev (Artistic Director), the SOI has collaborated with internationally acclaimed conductors and soloists. The orchestra has performed extensively across India and on international stages. Alongside its concert activities, the SOI is deeply committed to music education. Many of its musicians also serve as teachers, nurturing the next generation of classical musicians in India. Commissioned by: National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) Produced by: Aditi Mangaldas Dance Company & The Drishtikon Dance Foundation Creative Team: Concept & Choreography: ADITI MANGALDAS Music Composer: RUSHIL RANJAN Set Design: MANISH KANSARA Light Design: RYAN STAFFORD Mentor: MORAG DEYES Music Conductor: MELVIN TAY Creative Development: DEEPAK KURKI SHIVASWAMY Costume Design: URVASHI KAUR Technical Director: CHRISTOPHER FLUX Rehearsal Director: GAURAV BHATTI Box Office now open.