22/10/12 – for immediate release

Masked dancers from east India join Christchurch Diwali

Masked dancers from the Trinetra Chhau Dance Centre in east India will perform the Seraikella style of Chhau at the Singapore Airlines Diwali - Indian festival of Lights 2013 this Saturday.

Internationally acclaimed masked dancers from Jharkhand state in east India lead a performance programme of local, national and international artists for the Singapore Airlines Diwali - Indian festival of Lights 2013 at the CBS Arena on 26 October, 3 – 9pm.

Choreographer Gopal Dubey leads the Trinetra Chhau Dance Centre, established in 1985 in Seraikella. Mr Dubey followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, who performed for royalty, and has studied Seraikella Chhau dance from the age of 14. He holds masterclasses and workshops all over the world.

“The mask is a vital element in the dance,” he said. “It liberates the dancer and places greater emphasis on the movement of the body. When I perform a peacock, I think like a peacock."

The movements of Seraikella Chhau originated in the traditional martial art form known as Parikanda, which uses a sword and a shield. The dance form has since evolved, but Mr Dubey says students still practise Parikanda every morning down by the river near Seraikella as part of their training.

Chhau dance is accompanied by a nagara kettledrum, the dhol barrel drum and a double reed oboe called shania. The Trinetra Chhau Dance Centre is visiting New Zealand courtesy of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, the High Commission of India and Air New Zealand to perform at Diwali festivals.

Traditional dance from different regions such as Bharat Natyam (Tamil Nadu), Bhangra (Punjab) and Garba (Gujurat) also feature, along with modern forms such as Bollywood dance.

In Christchurch, Diwali celebrations organized by the Christchurch Indian Social and Cultural Club celebrate many aspects of traditional, regional culture through food, art, fashion and performance. But with a mini-cinema to mark 100 years of Indian cinema and a surprise pyrotechnic fireworks display, there are contemporary themes at play too.
Diwali is known as the 'festival of lights' - light symbolising the triumph of good over evil and awareness of the inner light in each of us. For Indian people on the subcontinent and around the world, it’s the biggest event of the year.

Singapore Airlines Diwali - Festival of Lights 2013 has been made possible through sponsorship and funding from organizations including Singapore Airlines, ANZ bank and Christchurch City Council, as well as the efforts of volunteers from the Indian community. Entry is just $5 for adults, $2 for children under 12 and free for children under 6.

ENDS

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