Natya Presents:
“INAI – The Connection” a Natya World Premiere

Post- performance talk with Hema Rajagopalan and Astad Deboo following November 7 performance.

Chicago cultural treasure Natya Dance Theatre debuts a world premiere on the Dance Center stage with INAI–The Connection. A partnership between Natya’s Artistic Director Hema Rajagopalan and Astad Deboo, a pioneer of modern dance in India who has worked with figures from Pink Floyd to Pina Bausch, the work will explore how to find connection with each other and oneness with the self. Eminent live musicians led by Sikkil Gurucharan, renowned vocalist accompanied by eminent musicians from India, a life-size puppet, Deboo, and Rajagopalan herself will perform in this continent-crossing collaboration. “INAI – The Connection” –A World-Premiere reinterprets narratives from Hindu theology and mythology that reiterates the fact that all beings in this universe are connected, thus if we tear down the walls we will find oneness. This dance theatre work, based in Bharata Natyam (Dance Theater of India) and contemporary Indian Dance, features eminent musicians from India, spoken word and life-size puppets.

Dancers: Astad Deboo, Hema Rajagopalan, Emma Draves, Vidya Govind, Shantha Nair, Asha Rowland, Samsul, and Pawan Wagmare

Choreography: Astad Deboo and Hema Rajagopalan,

Music: Sikkil Gurucharan, renowned vocalist and George Brooks, saxophonist accompanied by eminent musicians from Indiaa

Concept and Script: Sujatha Vijayaraghavan

Puppeteer: Pawan Wagmare

Costumes:  Sandhya Raman

Lighting: Dustin Derry, Sarah Lachner