Works

The ritual of burden. The breakaway. The shedding.

An original commission by San Francisco State University (SFSU) for their University Dance Theatre, this contemporary dance piece sourced the South Indian classical dance tradition of Bharata Natyam and martial art tradition of Kalaripayattu. The piece’s theme was highly influenced by the functionality of the costumes and drew inspiration from Hindu mythology and the dancers’ personal process of releasing themselves from unneeded burden.

Kamala commissioned Bay Area electronica composer Raja Das to make an original score inspired by the 7-beat talam (rhythm) found in classical Indian music. Original costumes were devised and created by the Theater and Dance Department’s costume faculty and students. A final year lighting design student created original lighting for the piece.

Performed at McKenna Theatre, SFSU on April 9-11, 2016.