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Mallika Sarabhai to feature at 'Experience India' fest
Indo-Asian News Service

Washington, Oct 22 (IANS) Mallika Sarabhai, known for her contemporary interpretation of classical Indian dance forms and advocacy of women's rights, will perform here later this month at "Experience India", a four-week festival of Indian dance and performing arts.

Sarabhai and her group will present "Hot Talas, Cool Rasas" at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center in College Park, Maryland Oct 29. The performance will feature a combination of Indian classical dances like Bharatnatyam, and Kuchipudi, as also various folk styles like Kerala's Kalaripayettu martial arts. 

It will include thematic vignettes addressing topics such as women's experiences in mental asylums and the 1993 riots in Mumbai, besides abstract rhythmic sections. The performance will also incorporate a series of poems by poet and actress Dipti Naval that explore human rights issues in India. 

Set to a vibrant score by percussion maestro Trilok Gurtu and Jazz virtuoso Danielle Goyone, the performance will showcase traditional Indian performing arts in a unique combination of theatre and social commentary. 

Sarabhai first garnered international attention for her performance in Peter Brooks's "The Mahabharata". Since then, she has continued to reach international audiences through her performances and her work as a director and choreographer. At the same time, she has addressed a range of contemporary issues through her art - from the role of women in Indian society to problems of racism and violence. 

In recognition of her efforts to promote social justice through art, Sarabhai was among the 1,000 women nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. She is also the recipient of various national and international honours including the Palme d'Or and the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres from the French government. 

During her stay, Sarabhai will also hold workshops, lectures and demonstrations at the George Washington University and University of Maryland. She will also appear in a Meet the Artist programme at the Indian embassy here in Washington Wednesday.