Confluence - The Festival Of India
In Australia
An exciting showcase of dance, music, theatre and visual arts from India is set to entertain Brisbane audiences in September and October with Confluence – The Festival of India in Australia, at various locations.
Navdeep Suri, the High Commissioner of India in Australia says, “Confluence represents a meeting point – of arts and artistes, of ideas and ideals, of cultures and civilisations.”
The festival, which is staged in seven cities throughout the country, offers something for everyone, with a Bollywood Workshop sure to be a hit in the Queen Street Mall, 15 and 16 September (12-2pm and 4-6pm respectively). Gilles Chuyen has been teaching Bollywood Dance style in India, the U.K. and South Africa, and now it’s Brisbane’s turn. Entry is free and register HERE.
Experience the exquisite and powerful voice of multi award-winning singer, Sonam Kalra, with Sonam Kalra and The Sufi Gospel Project, at the QPAC Concert Hall, 20 September at 7.30pm. Trained in both Indian and Western traditions of music, Sonam has blended the many voices of faith, through poetry, prayer and music in this show which is an amalgamation of everything she has learnt and believes in. She has been on stage with Sir Bob Geldof and Sufi legend, Abida Parveen, and also spoken at TED talks on Secularism through Music. Tickets are $40. BOOK HERE
Another must-see event is Sriyah from the Nrityagram Dance Ensemble at the Cremorne Theatre, QPAC, on 1 October at 7.30pm.The ensemble, whose vibrant costumes and fluid movements depict an ornately carved Hindu temple springing into life and colour, is one of the most acclaimed dance companies of India. They combine ancient dance practices with modern sensibilities, imbuing their performances with magic and spirituality. Tickets are $40. BOOK HERE
Finally, there’s the Bapu Khadi Exhibition at QUT Kelvin Grove campus from 18 – 21 October (10-4), and Oct 22 (1-4) with a talk by the curator, Sunaina Suneja, on 22 October from 2-3pm. Khadi is India’s national fabric which is linked to its history and to Mahatma Gandhi. The eco-friendly fabric is showcased in the exhibition, highlighting its diversity of weaves and textures, and complemented with photographs and information panels about its history. Entry is free and register HERE
By Vicki Englund
