Kathak artists Labonee Mohanta and Anjali Nath will premiere the full-length production of HALF, a dynamic duet exploring self-discovery, human nature, and the daily struggles that arise from the conflict between our inner selves, according to a press release. The production will premiere Friday, September 25, 2026, in Boston, followed by a San Francisco Bay Area premiere on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at the Village Theatre in Danville, California.
HALF is a work about the human experience: the opposing impulses, desires, and identities that coexist within us. Through the meeting of two powerful artistic voices, intricate rhythm, and expressive movement, the production asks audiences to look inward and confront the many “halves” of themselves.
Exploring Human Nature Through Kathak
Rooted in the highly sophisticated rhythmic language of Kathak, HALF is built around the intricate and challenging structure of half-beat rhythmic cycles. Through rhythm, movement, theatricality, and live Indian classical music, the production examines the opposing forces that exist within each person—control and impulse, order and chaos, restraint and indulgence, softness and strength.
Performed as a duet, Mohanta and Nath portray opposing forces whose contrasting energies and movement qualities bring the internal struggle to life on stage. Their characters continuously challenge, mirror, and transform one another, creating a physical representation of the conflict between different sides of the self.
While deeply rooted in the traditions of Kathak, HALF approaches the form through a contemporary theatrical lens. The work showcases the extraordinary rhythmic sophistication of this ancient Indian classical dance tradition while exploring experiences that transcend culture—identity, conflict, desire, control, and the ongoing journey toward self-understanding. For South Asian American audiences and arts enthusiasts, the production highlights the continued evolution and vital presence of classical Indian art forms within the American cultural landscape.
A Legacy of Kathak and Innovation
Both Mohanta and Nath are senior disciples of the late legendary Kathak maestro Pandit Chitresh Das, one of the most influential Kathak artists of his generation. Their shared artistic lineage informs the rhythmic depth and theatrical vocabulary of HALF, while their individual artistic voices bring contrasting perspectives to the work.
Mohanta, Artistic Director of Lavanya Academy of Indian Arts in California, trained directly with Pandit Chitresh Das for two and a half decades. Her work is known for its powerful rhythmic expression, dynamic footwork, fast pirouettes, and exploration of Kathak through cross-cultural collaborations and improvisation.
Nath is the founder and artistic director of Kathak Khelna in Boston and is also a senior disciple of Pandit Chitresh Das. Her work combines the traditional vocabulary of Kathak with a contemporary approach to performance and storytelling.
From Excerpts to Full-Length Production
Excerpts of HALF have been presented over the past two years, including at the New York Kathak Festival in 2025. After an extended period of development and performance, Mohanta and Nath are now bringing HALF to the stage as a full-length production.
The premieres will feature live Indian classical musicians, creating an immediate relationship between the dancers and the music and allowing the work’s intricate rhythmic architecture to unfold in performance.
Premiere Performances
Boston Premiere
Friday, September 25, 2026 | 8:00 PM
The Dance Complex, Cambridge, MA
San Francisco Bay Area Premiere
Sunday, September 27, 2026 | 4:30 PM
Village Theatre, Danville, CA
The Danville performance will also feature opening performances by students of Lavanya Academy of Indian Arts, offering audiences an opportunity to experience the next generation of Kathak artists before the full-length production begins.
This text was edited with the assistance of an AI tool and has been reviewed and edited for accuracy and clarity by an India Currents editor.
