Art has survived and thrived in rural pockets of India for centuries, often insulated from the changing times. While performing arts like theatre are rooted in language, others like dance, music and craft have a universal reverberation. But the reasons limiting the spread of these arts into urban boundaries remain the same for all: constraints of space, cost and often limited cultural understanding. Under the umbrella of the Kalapana initiative, Tata Trusts is making an effort to usher the arts into Mumbai’s landscape through their two-day event this weekend. The event is part of their wider effort to conserve art heritage. “It’s not only us bringing them to Mumbai, but also a celebration of what they do,” says Deepika Sorabjee, head of media, arts and culture at Tata Trusts.
The event is largely divided into two categories: performing arts and crafts. The organisations invited to showcase their work are closely associated with Tata Trusts, and represent a range of cultural diversity that nestles in the hinterland.
Setting the stage
In the performing arts section, one organisation each will showcase its talents in theatre, music and dance. Representing theatre will be the Ninasam Foundation from Heggodu, Karanataka. Founded in 1949, the organisation will perform the play Kalandugeya Kathe based on the classic Tamil epic Silappatikaram . Directed by B.R. Venkatramana Aithal, the play will be performed in Kannada. In an effort to make the play more inclusive, subtitles will be screened onstage and the audience will be provided with a guide. “Ultimately, it’s the joy of hearing the language,” says Sorabjee, adding that in theatre, language brings authenticity and freedom for artistes.
Bengaluru-based dance school Attakkalari Centre for Movement Arts, will perform a contemporary dance piece titled MeiDhwani . Drawing inspiration from Bharatnatyam and the martial arts form Kalaripayattu, the production seeks to explore and reaffirm the centrality of the human body, mind and spirit in live performances.
As for classical music, Gundecha brothers, the renowned Hindustani classical singers from the Bhopal-based Dhrupad Sansthan, will perform their compositions. Having trained under the guru-shishya style, the Gundecha have taught artistes at the institute for over 10 years.
Crafts on the fringes
From hand-crafted products made in the hills of Uttarakhand, to fabrics made by rescued sex workers in Kolkata, an eclectic mix of crafts is expected to be on display at the event, alongside performing arts. With an emphasis on products made by women, organisations like Srijani, which promotes the work of marginalised women’s groups in Bihar, and Mumbai-based WomenWeave will be exhibiting their handloom works. Helping revive the Warli art form by making it more contemporary, Raah Foundation’s artisans will showcase products like bags, sarees, trays and coasters.
In all, 10 organisations have been invited to participate in the Kalapana initiative with an effort to restore patronage, showcase diversity and facilitate interaction between artists and buyers. “It’s an opportunity for the artisans to tell their story,” says Reshma Anand, head of strategy, partnerships and crafts. Anand has noticed that dialogue between artists and consumers makes the work of art more memorable for the buyer, building a sustain relationship that’s mutually beneficial.
The road ahead
The Kalapana initiative seeks to carry out conservation-related projects, encourage traditional and contemporary performing arts and help sustain livelihoods based on crafts, along with working in the area of art education. However, the initiative is not limited to the arts alone. “We could next have a conservator talking about a site he has been involved with or students from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences talking about the films they have made and communities they have interacted with, or visual art that we support,” says Sorabjee.
But for now, the two-day event is the first of a series that will imagine the arts while lighting up rural pockets, all beyond the bright lights of the urban landscape.
Kalapana will be held on January 7 and 8 at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Kala Ghoda. Entry is free.
