Kathak Documentary `Upaj` Set to Premiere Mar. 2

Kathak Documentary ‘Upaj’ Set to Premiere Mar. 2
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Kathak Documentary ‘Upaj’ Set to Premiere
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Feb 15, 2013
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Kathak dancer-turned-filmmaker Antara Bhardwaj reveals the world of Indian classical
dance in her debut documentary, “Upaj: Improvise,” which will premiere in the Silicon
Valley Mar. 2. (Kathak.org photo)
United States
A new documentary about one of India’s most fascinating art
forms will premiere in the Silicon Valley Mar. 2.
With “Upaj: Improvise,” dancer-turned-filmmaker Antara Bhardwaj
takes a look at the art of Kathak impresario Chitresh Das and
features behind-the-scenes footage of his preparation for a
unique Kathak/tapdance collaboration with American dancer
Jason Samuels Smith called “India Jazz Suites.”
According to a spokesperson, the journey of “India Jazz Suites”
“poignantly unfolds Das’s and Smith’s personal stories — stories
wrought with loss, struggle, and perseverance.”
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3/9/13 11:39 AM
Kathak Documentary ‘Upaj’ Set to Premiere Mar. 2
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demons, they show us that our
struggles are worthwhile and
that Upaj: Improvise paves the
way for hope and redemption,”
Bhardwaj told India-West in an
e-mail.
“This
documentary
…
showcases India in a very
unique light — not through its poverty, or high tech glory, or
Bollywood industry — but through the classical, traditional arts of
India, and where they fit in India today,” Bhardwaj added.
Das is described as one of the most dynamic and far-reaching
artists to have emerged from modern India.
A choreographer, composer, and director, Das was awarded the
National Heritage Fellowship, the highest honor bestowed on a
traditional artist by the U.S. government. He also received an
award from Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, a national arts institution
inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi, for outstanding contribution in
the field of Kathak dance; as well as a lifetime achievement award
from the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival.
Bhardwaj feels that for an audience member to fully experience
Kathak, he or she needs to bring something to the performance
as well.
“In order to appreciate any sort of classical art, one needs to be
educated,” the Indian American filmmaker explained to
India-West.
“The difference between pop culture and classical tradition is that
one is a passive entertainment — where you want to sit back and
just purely be entertained, and not have to put too much thought
into it.
206
“Appreciating classical tradition, or even something like art house
cinema, is that you have to invoke other senses, you have to
think.
“However, classical art is not just for the erudite — it can be
enjoyed by everyone. I believe that is why it has stood the test of
time through thousands of years, because there is something
fundamental in these art forms that speaks to us, whether or not
we are educated in the intricacies of the art form, or whether or
not we are from the culture, or speak the language, or are familiar
with the music.”
“Upaj: Improvise” will screen at the Chitresh Das Dance
Company’s annual gala, to be presented at the Computer History
Museum at 1401 N. Shoreline Blvd., Mountain View, Calif., Mar.
2. For information, visit www.kathak.org or phone (415) 333-9000.
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Kathak Documentary ‘Upaj’ Set to Premiere Mar. 2
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