The Assembly, a multifaceted performance from choreographer Raghav Handa, is coming to Campbelltown Arts Centre next month.
Handa links up with dance artists Victor Zarallo and Josh Freedman, sound artist James Brown, lighting designer Fausto Brusamolino, designer Isabel Hudson and dramaturg Vicki Van Hout for The Assembly – bastard of a place [to give it its full title].
Handa’s grandfather’s regimental legacy serves as a compelling lens through which queer culture is vividly expressed.
Handa, known for using dance as a vehicle to explore profound societal questions, shares his artistic vision for The Assembly: “I use dance as a Trojan horse to delve deep into the big questions our society is facing with my artistic curiosity,’’ he says.
“The themes of power play, the expression of masculinity, time, and the concepts of right and wrong action are central to my exploration.’’
The Assembly is more than a performance; it is a document of cultural perpetuity, a testament to Handa’s dedication to creating something new while preserving and evolving traditional practices.
Derived from the artist’s memory, The Assembly promises a surrealist landscape filled with dynamic movement and sonic delights.
With a choreographic style that deconstructs classical Indian Katak folk dance and indigenous contemporary dance techniques, Handa is developing a distinct Indian-Australian vernacular, unique to the Australian performance landscape.
Audiences will be taken on a journey that challenges traditional notions of masculinity.
“The work straddles expressions of masculinity, exploring how men are together and what defines a man,’’ says Handa.
“It cuts close to the wire of what being masculine means in our society.’’
The Assembly promises a unique utilisation of the space, creating different worlds that are rich with symbolism, imagery, and sound.
“I work with a strong company of collaborators to create surreal spaces, drawing inspiration from my own memory, psychology, and vision of the future,’’ says Handa.
“The performance space becomes a canvas where we craft something extraordinary out of nothing.’’
There are just three performances scheduled for The Assembly at Campbelltown Arts Centre, March, 7, 8, and 9.
For ticket information and updates, visit http://c-a-c.com.au/the-assembly/
Supplied image: By Marian Abboud
