Akademi’s ‘Pravaas’: a joyous, provocative and powerful exploration of climate migration told through ancient South Asian dance
Pravaas, a new contemporary work for outdoors, shares urgent and poignant stories of migration from the Sundarbans across India and Bangladesh due to the impact of climate change. Explored through the language of classical South Asian dance forms and Carnatic vocals, Pravaas was conceived by Akademi’s Artistic Director Subathra Subramaniam and Choreographed by Vidya Patel. It is supported by Without Walls and commissioned by Norfolk & Norwich Festival and Brighton Festival.
Established in 1979, Akademi has consistently inspired profound connections between individuals and the world at large through the beauty and power of South Asian dance. With ‘Pravaas,’ the company continues its tradition of creating transformative artistic experiences that transcend boundaries and touch the hearts of audiences.
The concept for ‘Pravaas’ emerged from extensive research conducted by Subathra Subramaniam on Sagar Island in West Bengal, India. Sagar, situated at the forefront of extreme weather events like tropical cyclones and flooding, serves as a powerful symbol of the devastating effects of climate change. These natural disasters not only disrupt lives and livelihoods but also hinder young people’s access to education.
Through the expressive medium of Bharatanatyam and Kathak trained dancers accompanied by live Carnatic vocals, ‘Pravaas’ explores themes of loss and hope, community and individuality, landscapes and shelter, and the plight of refugees and livelihoods. By utilising traditional dance forms in an outdoor promenade performance, the production vividly portrays the emotional essence of the climate crisis and its direct impact on communities.
The dance sequences are beautifully complemented by live music performed by vocalist and dancer Swati Seshadri. The evocative combination of prerecorded and live music enhances the emotional depth of the performance as the audience accompanies the dancers on a transformative journey across three locations. Encouraging audience participation, the production invites individuals to engage in the migratory process by assisting in the transportation of sustainably designed bamboo structures that are integral to the performance.
Subathra Subramaniam, Artistic Director and Joint CEO, Akademi said, “The visit to Sagar reaffirmed the power of hope to me. Despite their challenges, the people I met remained hopeful that technology and science would help safeguard their island against floods and extreme weather. ‘Pravaas’ is a work imbued with hope, intertwining emotions, resonances, and stories through abstract, non-linear movement.”
Vidya Patel (Young Associate at Sadlers Wells 2020-22) has choreographed the piece with three dancers Mithun Gill, Aishani Ghosh, and Shree Savani. Music and sound design are by Matt Olden and Kathy Hinde with design by Martin Lines.
Subathra Subramaniam, Artistic Director, Akademi said, “In conceiving Pravaas, I wanted to express and share stories of the people whose lives and livelihoods are affected by climate change across South Asia. The connection between the movement of people and movement in dance felt very appropriate in creating Pravaas. It also combines with my deep interest in our relationship with our land and where we live. Creating a promenade work where the audience is involved in the moving of the set along with the performers felt very important. Care is at the centre of all of Akademi’s work; we couldn’t make work about migration without moving the audience both physically and emotionally. We have worked closely with Without Walls to ensure that sustainability is considered in every aspect of Pravaas – from its creation to its touring. Being a Camden based organisation, we’re really excited to be bringing Pravaas to the communities in Camden, particularly for South Asian heritage month. Sharing a dance work about stories from South Asia feels important and timely.”
Vidya Patel, Choreographer said, “Akademi supports projects which are about the environment, and also health and well-being and this new work – Pravaas seeks to humanise the people who are affected by climate migration. This and championing underrepresented stories align with my values and overlap with the work that I create, especially in terms of nature and climate. A lot of my commissions in the past have been surrounding this subject so it’s great to have this platform for creating outdoor promenade work performed in public places across the UK to new audiences, connecting with more people.”
Pravaas is supported by Without Walls and is on a UK tour during 2023. Visit akademi.co.uk/pravaas for more information.
Without Walls is a network of festivals that works with artists to bring fantastic outdoor arts to people in towns and cities across England. For more information go to www.withoutwalls.uk.com.
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