Reflections of an Indian Dancer at Leeds Playhouse
Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor
Reflections of an Indian Dancer is the result of a thrilling collaboration between forward-thinking theatre-maker Balbir Singh and world-renowned dance artist Sooraj Subramaniam. Melding classical Indian dance with a contemporary narrative, this powerful and exquisite performance comes to Leeds Playhouse for one exclusive performance this spring.
A thrilling collaboration between forward-thinking theatre-maker Balbir Singh and world-renowned dance artist Sooraj Subramaniam.
Examining themes of home and self-identity, while remaining focused on the power of the individual performer, the work is made up of three solo pieces, each performed in a different Indian classical dance style – Bharatanatyam, Odisso and Kathak. Set against a bold and poetic spoken word soundtrack, this trilogy of traditional dance is brought bang-up-to-date for a modern audience.
Working in creative partnership with Balbir Singh, Reflections of an Indian Dancer is Subramaniam’s first autobiographical work. Exploring often deeply personal experiences of Subramaniam’s life as a performer, the work aims to introduce the audience to the private world of the dancer, prompting them to also reflect on their own sense of identity.
This trilogy of traditional dance is brought bang-up-to-date for a modern audience.
Subramaniam was born in Malaysia, raised in Australia and now lives in Belgium. With work spanning the main schools of classical Indian dance, Bharatanatyam, Kathak and Odissi alongside contemporary dance and ballet, Subramaniam is thoroughly versed in what it means to be a multi-cultural performer whilst still remaining true to centuries of classical dance traditions.
Of Reflections of an Indian Dancer, Balbir Singh told us, “I’m very excited to share this latest work with audiences. The delightful combination of autobiographer and performer expressed through both dance and new writing is new territory for both myself and Sooraj.”
