Odissi is a reconstructed and evolving traditional performing art form
that is negotiating its relevancy and position within a global context.
It has transcended its national boundary from its state of origin, Orissa
(East India), and is now recognised and performed on international stages.
Odissi is the perfect model of a vibrant traditional arts genre which
is thriving in the midst of globalisation and modernisation, touching
and stirring the imagination of people across nations.
The stage is now set for Odissi to make the quantum jump to impact audiences in Kuala Lumpur. For over 25 years, Sutra Dance Theatre has prepared the ground for Odissi and is now frequently performed and recognised as a mainstream theatre form in the Malaysian capital. Sutra Dance Theatre celebrates its 25th anniversary with Stirring Odissi, a major event on the nations performing arts calendar for 2008.
For three weeks from 23 May to 14 June 2008, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia will be buzzing with Odissi performances, exhibitions of paintings and photographs, and seminars inspired by Odissi. The Stirring Odissi festival, under the artistic direction of Ramli Ibrahim, will feature more than 120 performers, 15 visual artists and photographers, and 10 international scholars, writers and dance critics from Malaysia, India, USA, United Kingdom, France, Japan, Singapore and Australia. The Festival expects to attract Odissi followers from all over the globe.
Stirring Odissi the Performances will present solo and group performances including a Gotipua group from Orissa, at three venues around Kuala Lumpur.
Stirring Odissi, the Exhibition (paintings
and photography) and the Seminar will be held at the famous twin-towers
Petronas Gallery and also at Sutra Gallery.
The flowering of Odissi in Malaysia, to a considerable measure, has been stimulated
through the efforts of Sutra Dance Theatre under the artistic direction of Ramli
Ibrahim. Ramli Ibrahim first performed Odissi in 1983 and dazzled Malaysian audiences.
Having groomed the first generation of Malaysia’s own Odissi dancers, Ramli
and his Sutra Dancers have since performed Odissi across the globe to considerable
acclaim.
In view of the Indo-Asian foundation of this art form, the presentation of
this International Odissi festival in Malaysia is a significant and relevant
cultural statement which enhances bilateral awareness between Malaysia and India.
Stirring Odissi is very much an extension of the
Kalinga Yatra in 1992, envisioned by the celebrated Orissan Stateman, the late
Birju Patnaik in 1992 that recalled the past cultural and trade connection of
Orissa with Southeast Asia.
Stirring Odissi, the Festival will not only further
Odissi as a dynamic and contemporary traditional performing art form of the
21st century, but project Kuala Lumpur as a dynamic Odissi centre in the region.
For more information, visit www.stirringodissi.com
Other contact information
Sutra Dance Theatre
Tel: +603 40229669
e-mail: stirringodissi@gmail.com
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