Over two days, Aditi Mangaldas will lead participants through an exploration of the spine and its critical role in forging dynamic movement in a physical space. Over decades, Ms. Mangaldas has pioneered the expanded vocabulary of movement in Kathak and the interpretation of a dancing body across dimensions. Each day will begin with a 6-hour masterclass employing nritta sequences in vilambit, madhya and drut...(more) laya; followed by an informal conversation, where she will share her ideas on the spectrum of tradition and modernity in Indian dance as well as her process of creation and choreography. Additionally, participants will be able to attend the Baithak on May 24th curated by her, as well as the performance of 10x10 by the Drishtikon Repertory on 25th May. Participants should be proficient in kathak. Ages: 16 and above.

The Drishtikon Baithak presents an exciting glimpse into music and dance by emerging young artists. This edition begins with an informal talk by Aditi Mangaldas at 7 pm on tradition and modernity in Indian dance, followed by two vastly different pieces beginning at 8 pm. Shikhandi: The Inner Quest is a Bharatanatyam solo performed by Himanshu Srivastava. A character from the Mahabharata often painted in que...(more)er shades, Shikhandi played a pivotal role in the battle of Kurukshetra. Raising questions of self awareness and a search for inner peace, Himanshu leads the audience on a riveting journey. The second performance by Urvi Vora is a contemporary dance-theatre piece called S.K.U.M. Manifesto (Society against Kamasutra and Uncouth Men). The performer depicts a "Woman in a Saree" as a museum object and then goes on to illustrate a satire on the Kamasutra through a woman's perspective. For ages 16 and above.

10x10 is a compendium of ten short classical and contemporary dance and music pieces, curated and mentored by Aditi Mangaldas. Setting the theme for the performances to follow, on Saturday, Aditi Mangaldas will be giving an informal talk where she will give some insight into her process of creating and choreographing work. The performances are bound together by a single conceptual thread: "what do the numbe...(more)rs say to you?" and each piece is a personal interpretation of a given number by past or present Drishtikon repertory members. Explorations of the numbers range from a depiction of the confluence of three rivers to a scrutiny of the sixth sense and each performance holds it's own yet flows from one to other seamlessly. For ages 16 and above.

Combining romance and fantasy with a sensitive commentary on learning disabilities Akvarious Productions, Mumbai presents a slice of life comedy about an adolescent boy coming of age. Homi, our protagonist, can’t seem to focus in school. He is told that he has ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), which affects his concentration in class. With the help of his mother, his father's guitar, his first potential gir...(more)lfriend, and some great thinkers from history, Homi comes up with creative ways of dealing with his condition. Based on the work of Pierre Pichot and adapted for the stage by Akarsh Khurana, this play tugs at the emotional strings that tie the bonds between parents and children. Younger audiences and their adults will likely find that this story speaks to people on both ends of this tender relationship, and indeed, everyone in between. For ages 9 and above.

Easy Wanderlings is a 5 member group whose music has shades of ambient pop, soul and folk; they describe themselves as a musical journal rather than a band. A nostalgic amalgamation of inspirations and memories their lyrical themes are reminiscent of lazy Sundays spent at home or campfires in the wilderness. Their upbeat tunes and light vocals are supported by an array of instruments ranging from the flute ...(more)and violin generating an atmospheric classical sound coupled with keys and acoustic guitar. Percussion is used in an unexpected manner which gives the music folk-style undertones. Beginning in 2015, the band has toured extensively and their music has the ability to envelop every space be it a small cafe or a large music festival.