The abudance of blessing with KonTra: Asirvatham

The Actors Studio Seni Teater Rakyat will unveil its second instalment of the KonTra dance series, KonTra: Asirvatham, from October 28 to 30 at Pentas 2, klpac.

Asirvatham, which means blessings in Tamil, refers to the form of love, compassion, forgiveness and altruism we receive and pass on to one another.

Ideally suited for the upcoming Deepavali celebrations, KonTra: Asirvatham sets out to celebrate the idea that, in life, everything is a blessing – whether it is a moving body, opportunities that knock on our doors or loved ones who stay.

Conceptualised by The Actors Studio’s Resident Choreographer Zhafir Muzani, the KonTra dance series aims to experiment with the fusion of classical, folk and contemporary dance.

This second edition presents a dazzling array of traditional Indian dances such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak and Odissi while exploring elements like Abhinaya (expression), Mudras (hand gestures), and Talam (the rhythm of beats).

It boasts a line-up of six award-winning choreographers, each bringing something different to the table due to their diverse backgrounds and expertise.

One cannot talk about Indian classical dance without mentioning Bharatanatyam, one of the oldest forms of classical dance from Tamil Nadu, known for its spellbinding footwork and distinct hand gestures and facial expressions.

One can experience it in Agnes Rhythm Dance’s “Blessing Continues…” which features dancers as young as six years old to adults depicting a story about blessings received throughout a dancer’s journey.

Iqram Company’s “Siapa”, on the other hand, also draws on this classical dance form while playing on contemporary aspects like the art of expression (Abhinaya) and Talam.

Bharatanatyam aside, Odissi and Kathak are two other age-old Indian dance forms that one must experience in your lifetime.

Harshini’s “Reflection of Pathways” brings to light the challenges a classical dancer goes through in pursuit of her dream with a bold
combination of the rhythmic Bharatanatyam, the gentle and graceful Odissi, and the fast-paced Kathak.

Audiences can further witness the dynamic contrasts between
speed and stillness typical in a Kathak dance, characterised by its mesmerising footwork and spins, in Kishore Krishnan’s “Within my mind”.

Using the beauty of Mudras, a series of expressive hand gestures that is an intrinsic part of Indian classical art forms, Mamad Hj Samsudin’s “At Mapley” recreates a scene familiar to all Malaysians, an all-time favourite hangout spot – the Mamak stall.

Last but not least, Ealbie Breandent’s “Vali” tells about the pathway one chooses in life to fulfil one’s desires.

With its colourful costumes, rich and diverse dance styles and positive theme, Kontra: Asirvatham is the perfect way to celebrate Deepavali and Indian arts and culture with your friends and family.

This production is supported by The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac) & Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC).

Tickets for KonTra: Asirvatham are priced at RM50. Early bird promotion, RM40 is extended until October 9 2022. Students can enjoy discounted tickets by reaching out via WhatsApp +6018 227 7212.

Tickets can be purchased online via Cloudtix. For more information, visit www.klpac.org.

Media Inquiries: Maggie Ong @ 0123828583 / [email protected]
Vishallini Gopal @ 01133939715 / [email protected]