Working at the intersection of the North Indian classical form of Kathak and contemporary dance, Gaurav Bhatti is known for virtuosic performances which encompass explosive energy, dramatic complexity, and eloquent emotion. His new solo is inspired by the life and poetry of the 18th-century Sufi mystic Bulleh Shah, who spoke out against powerful institutions, and advocated for tolerance at a time of violent religious strife.
Integrating Kathak, Punjabi folk dances, and Western movement forms, Bhatti applies his distinctive contemporary sensibility to reassert Shah’s enduring message of universal love, and pays homage to the rich artistic heritage of the Punjab.
Post-show artist talkback March 29.
The Global Dance Connections series features exciting dance works by artists from Canada and around the world.
Bulleh Shah: Seeker of Light
Concept, Dance & Choreography : Gaurav Bhatti
Mentor: Aditi Mangaldas
Lighting Designer: Ryan Stafford
Set Designer: Manish Kansara
Costume Designer: Muhammad Alamgir
Music Composed and Arranged by: Rushil Ranjan & Max Guthrie
Dramaturg: Saattvic
Indian Classical Music Rendition: Sami Ullah Khan, Mohit Gangani and Saattvic
Musicians:
Sami Ullah Khan, Faraz Ahmed and Harman Singh (Vocal)
Mohit Gangani (Tabla) | Ashish Gangani (Pakhawaj) | Amir Ahmed (Saarangi)
Bhanu Sisodia (Dhaama) | Sunny Shishodiya (Padhant)
Rehearsal Director: Aamrapali Bhandari and Gaurav Shridhar
Production Manager / Technical Director: Christopher FluxManagement: New Works
Poetry: Baba Bulleh Shah
Residency support: Dance City (Newcastle, UK), The Dance Centre (Vancouver, Canada), Shed 9 & OddBird Theater (Delhi, India), Aditi Mangaldas Dance Company-The Drishtikon Dance Foundation (Delhi, India) and Aakash Odedra Company (Leicester, UK)
Public Funders: Canada Council for the Arts, BC Arts Council, City of Vancouver.
Production: Gaurav Bhatti Dance Company
Videography and Editor: Adarsh Prathap
Special Thanks to: Victoria Bell, Hannah Boothman, Out Innerspace Dance Theatre, and family and friends who helped make this production.
Photos by Angela Grabowska and Innee Singh