'Something Then Something Now', an internationally acclaimed classical show composed by UK based noted artist Seeta Patel will be premiering in India. Entry to the event is free.
Originally created for Wild Card at Sadler's Wells, London and selling out two nights to critical acclaim, Seeta is presenting an ebullient evening of Indian Classical dance and music, featuring an ensemble of exquisite Carnatic musician.
The central piece tells a divine story of love in separation. The performance focuses on the relationship between three character roles: the youthful heroine (Nayika), the god Krishna, and her friend (Sakhi) who will bring Krishna to her. Krishna is represented by several beautiful elements throughout the piece, from the peacock feather gesture that opens the performance, to the wafting sounds of His flute on the wind. The peacock feather that adorns His hair is particularly used as a metaphor for Him: playful, mischievous, ethereal, the object of desire.The performance is much more than a dance of devotion: it shows a mortal contemplating union with a god - both physical and spiritual - a consummation both human and divine.
"I'm very excited about the Indian premiere of 'Something Then Something Now'. I have been presenting solo classical work in the UK and Europe and building genuine interest and audiences for this genre. It will be different for me to perform to audiences much more familiar with the form. But the work has been very well received and I have had much support from my teacher Mavin Khoo so I am really looking forward to sharing this evening of work." says Seeta Patel deliriously.
The resplendent show is supported and powered by a consortium which includes NAE (New Art Exchange), Aditi Mangaldas Dance Company, DanceXchange, India Heritage Desk, Aakash Odedra Company, EKA [unity].
About Seeta Patel: Seeta Patel is a refreshing new voice for Bharatnatyam style of Indian Classical dance and is forging her own path to revitalise the form. UK born and raised, Seeta trained with highly respected teachers of Bharatnatyam and made her debut as a classical soloist to a sold out audience at the Clore Upstairs, Royal Opera House with Shringara in 2009. Since then Seeta has been commissioned by Akademi to create First Light at the Southbank, remounted Mavin Khoo's Dancing my Siva at the South Asian Dance Summit at Pavillion Dance South West and produced a multi-award winning film, The Art of defining me which gained immense national and international acclaim.
Seeta has received numerous awards and bursaries for her creative and professional development including Lisa Ullmann Travel Scholarship to study in India and at the New York Film Academy. She was also a mentor, judge and advisor on the South Asian Final of 2015's BBC Young Dancer.
Seeta has presented solo and ensemble work at the Purcell and Royal Opera House (First Light, 2014; Shringara, 2009; Alter Ego, 2007; She was still.., 2005/06; Last one Standing, 2010; Cycle of Change, 2005) among others.
