Mandala Ensemble Presents, "Purush: When Power Becomes Poetry” featuring an evening-length performance that explores improvisation across classical Indian dance traditions by male dancers. Dancers trained in Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Odissi interpret shared musical compositions through their distinct movement vocabularies and rhythmic sensibilities. As each artist responds spontaneously to the music, the performance reveals how different classical forms approach improvisation—through unique body language, rhythmic dialogue, and expressive interpretation—creating a dynamic conversation between tradition, individuality, and creativity.
Artists:
Colin Mascarenhas is an Odissi artist and founding member of the Aikyam Odissi Dance Collective in Chicago. Trained in Mumbai under Guru Jhelum Paranjape, he has over 20 years of experience in the Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra style of Odissi. His aesthetic draws inspiration from classical temple architecture, reflecting Odissi’s sculptural and spiritual roots. Colin has performed at major venues across India, including NCPA Mumbai and the US Embassy in Delhi, as well as the Consulate of India in Chicago. He is dedicated to preserving traditional Odissi and teaching it in the Chicago area.
Kiran James is a Chicago-based dancer, choreographer, educator, and nonprofit leader whose performances and embodied practice are rooted in poetic storytelling and social justice. With 35 years of training in Bharatanatyam, Kiran creates bold, educative productions bridging South Asian classical and ritual dance with other world dance forms. He is the co-founder of Daya Arts, a nonprofit highlighting South Asian and West African arts, and Off the Beat, a podcast imagining new futures for South Asian dance. He has performed internationally, participated in artist residencies at Snug Harbor and Catwalk Institute, and formerly served as Executive Director of Kalapriya.
Sachin Lal is a passionate Kathak artist dedicated to deepening his understanding of this classical Indian dance form through disciplined practice and commitment. For Sachin, Kathak is a powerful medium of expression, rhythm, and cultural storytelling. He aspires to share the beauty and richness of this art form across diverse cultures and communities, using movement as a universal language that connects people beyond boundaries. Kathak also brings a sense of grounding and balance to his life. He is particularly drawn to the intricate footwork and mesmerizing chakkars (spins), which reflect the technical precision and artistic grace of the tradition. His journey in Kathak embodies a harmonious blend of passion, dedication, and the pursuit of elegance and excellence.
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