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Yatra - A journey through timeless India

Presented by NDSU Division of Fine Arts at NDSU Festival Concert Hall

August 30, 2008

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India's rich culture stretches back in an unbroken sweep over 5000 years. Dance was present in every nook and corner of ancient India. There were court dancers (Kathak), temple dancers (Bharatanatyam) and folk dancers (Punjabi bhangra or Rajasthani ghoomar), with their respective sociological connotations, and relevance to society. The technique of dance was ancient and common to all, but the attitude of the dancers was different.

With the arrival of European imperialism in 1600, the entire culture of India, way of life, history and everything changed. It is in this context that the dilemmas of famous men like Nehru, Tagore, Jinnah appear poignant and the challenge hurled at the Western civilization by Mahatma Gandhi and other freedom fighters became a major historical event. Today's India presents a picture of unity in cultural diversity to which history provides no parallel. The Indo-American Association of Great Plains, Fargo and Association of Students from India at North Dakota State University presents "Yatra," a dance journey through timeless India.

"Yatra" traces the evolution of India's cultural heritage during the Vedic age, Muslim conquests, European colonization and post-independence. The dance-drama adopts exquisite dresses, mime and histrionics from numerous dance styles of India, Sri Lanka and Europe.

NDSU President Joseph Chapman will grace the program, which is also a part of India's 62nd Independence Day celebrations. The show, directed by Febina Mathew, is a collaborative effort of significant dancers from the South Asian community and guest performers Rita Slator (Shimmy sisters) and Maureen McDonald-Hins (Celtic dancing) of the Fargo-Moorhead area.