Ode to Navaratri: A Touring Festival for Minnesota Communities
Ragamala plans to apply for MSAB Arts Tour Minnesota support to subsidize Summer 2020 - Spring 2021 engagements, and we are currently looking for presenting partners.
A new work in the spirit of the South Indian festival Navaratri Kolu that uniquely combines community engagement, performance, and the opportunity for your community to share your own local talent.
Over the course of 2-3 hours, this affordable and flexible festival features:
A visual art installation based on the traditional Kolu display of South India
A 30-minute Kolam* design workshop
A 30-minute Bharatanatyam dance workshop
An optional time slot you to incorporate your community’s art and performances into the festival**
A 30-minute informal Bharatanatyam performance by Ragamala Dance Company and senior students from the Ragamala School.
*In this workshop, Ragamala artists introduce participants to the history and background of Kolam (intricate designs made of rice flour) and its philosophy of interconnectedness between humanity and nature. Participants learn to draw several Kolam designs on paper, and then create them with rice flour on the floor to experience the traditional method.
**One of the remarkable and unique aspects of South Indian Navaratri Kolu celebrations is the emphasis on community art sharing. Neighbors and friends gather to celebrate the holiday with impromptu and informal performances. We invite presenters to join in the art-sharing spirit by arranging for performances by your own community.
Presenters are encouraged to program this festival on weekend afternoons or other times that make it more accessible to audiences of all ages.
Presenters are encouraged to program this festival in non-traditional performance spaces including arts centers, libraries, community centers, parks, etc.