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ANKUSHA 2016  

Set to the music of award-winning British indie rock band alt J alongside an original score by Genevieve Crutchfield, Ankusha is a daring, athletic trio bringing together Bharata Natyam, acrobatic contemporary dance and physical theatre.

The ankusha is the elephant goad held in the right hand of the Hindu god Lord Ganesha, used symbolically to push souls down the path towards their destiny and pull them back to the intended path from which they stray. In a time of unprecedented philosophical polarisation, Ankusha questions the intrinsic human need to explain or control the course of one’s life.

Originally a Choreogata commission from Akademi South Asian Dance UK, it was created with the support of Arts Council England and residencies at Choreodrome (The Place) and the University of East London.

Ankusha was reworked in Summer 2016 for inclusion in the KDC evening Ankusha and Other Mysteries which premiered at Rich Mix on Sept 3, 2016, with support from Arts Council England, University of East London and South East Dance.

Images: Vipul Sangoi

“..the three bold performers are thrillingly fearless in their animated contacts, vigorous pulls and robust pushes.”

– Pulse Magazine, Autumn 2015

CREDITS

Artistic Director/Choreographer/Dancer: Kamala Devam

Dancers/Creative Collaborators: Tamzen Moulding and Franco Conquista

Original music composition and sound arrangement: Genevieve Crutchfield

Recorded tracks: alt J (“Interlude I”, “Fitzpleasure”, “Every Other Freckle”, “Leaving Nara”)

Music Rights from Kobalt Music and BMG

Original lighting design: Estelle Rickelton

Rehearsal direction/choreographic assistance: Seeta Patel and Saju Hari

Acrobatic consultants: Baris Yazar and Tamzen Moulding

Costume design: Amy Panter

Hair and makeup: Corinne Young and Judith Abegg

Choreogata mentor: Isabel Mortimer

Videography and Film editing: Seeta Patel

OTHER WORKS