Mantram
In the heart of San Francisco, an unconventionally brilliant dance production is set to captivate audiences. Mantram, showcasing at ODC Theatre from September 27-29, promises to present new and redefined contours of Kathak, a traditional Indian dance form.
Charlotte Moraga, artistic director of the Chitresh Das Institute and the creative genius behind the production shares her vision, “Dance should move people, if not transform them.” This philosophy drives Mantram, a creative confluence of classical dance and contemporary music composed by Sarod virtuoso, Alam Khan.
Sowing the Seed – The Genesis
Mantram draws inspiration from the ‘beej mantra‘ concept or a chant that contains the essence of meditative practice. When Charlotte Moraga started exploring this concept, the revelations were two-fold.
One, for Kathak dancers, the beej mantra manifests as an eight-beat footwork sequence, forming the foundation for some of the most complex rhythmic compositions. “The seemingly simple footwork practice can offer pure joy and transformation,” says Charlotte. Two, the beej mantra for life comes from the panchbhutas or the five elements–earth, water, fire, air, and earth–that are the forces of creation and desolation, thus representing the cycle of life.
The synthesis of these deeply nuanced ideas has resulted in a unique composition unlike any other seen before. “Mantram begins with pure sound, symbolizing creation. No flowing movements, no words, no music,” Charlotte explains. “I also wanted to explore different sounds through resonance. Dancers were placed on resonance boxes of various sizes, producing different sounds with the same composition and using the same footwork. The outcome was magical and resonance became Mantram’s beej mantra.”
Storytelling on Stage
The idea of resonance comes alive magnificently as the resonance boxes unfold from a single box into five different boxes and each dancer owns a box as their stage. The melody of ghunghuroos combined with rhythmic footwork on a percussive platform produces unique sounds that are an audio-visual spectacle.
But Mantram is not just about the sounds that create resonance, it is also about the stories that resonate within us. The ninety-minute performance has six sub-themes, each representing an element. It starts with Brahman (beginning) symbolizing creation through sounds. “Following this is Akasha (space) that ushers in a feeling of devotion in the form of a prayer and then comes Vayu (wind), which enables movement amongst creatures.” Departing from this cosmic mystery, Mantram also sheds light on ecological challenges that the world is confronting today.
Agni (fire) shows the increasing severity of wildfires in California as well as places that have never experienced this catastrophe before. Apa (water) draws attention to the rising sea levels and increasing temperatures that are disturbing the ecological balance on Earth. The final piece is an homage to Prithvi (Earth), which sustains all life forms and assures humanity with the hope of continuation and belonging.
Charlotte emphasizes, “Mantram’s storytelling is abstract and naturalistic allowing the audience to interpret it in their own ways. The narrative is strong and can leave the audience with a powerful message. It is a reminder that every action of humanity and every footprint matters in shaping our world.” She hopes that the audience comes to the show with an open mind and walks away with greater curiosity that allows them to introspect on their actions and understanding of our world.
A Collaborative Masterpiece
The production features music by renowned Sarod player Alam Khan. Charlotte and Alam began discussing Mantram in 2020 and although coming from different perspectives, they instinctively agreed on one point – the idea of creating something. We wanted to create “something cinematic and very mystical,” says Charlotte. The result was a contemporary and experimental soundscape that complements the dance perfectly.
“The music is a truly emotional response that came after multiple discussions and iterations. It truly reflects a collaborative spirit. Alam put an amazing soundscape to the framework of panchbhutas and it was a compelling response to what was happening globally. It reflected the universality of the framework and its relevance across diverse environments, be it ecological, social, or internal. In this manner, Mantram creates many worlds, unique in their own ways.”
Mantram is more than a dance performance; it’s an immersive journey that challenges perceptions and ignites curiosity. It promises to be a transformative experience for those who come with open minds and curious eyes.
Friday, September 27, 2024 – 8:00 pm
Saturday, September 28, 2024 – 8:00 pm
Sunday, September 29, 2024 – 4:00 pm
Venue: ODC Theater
