NOTE: this was scheduled for end of March 2019, was moved to Oct 15-17, 2020, and now is postponed indefinitely. The post below was written at the end of February 2020, prior to social distancing due to COVID-19.
In this time of violent divisions between communities, and the building of walls between countries, Shyamala was moved by the challenging stories of migration of two dancers that she met at Cal State Long Beach, while working there as a Guest Artist in Spring 2020.
Thus a new piece, “Fight the Fear,” is in creation with 16 dancers, Neelamjit Dhilon (composer), Kelsey Vidic (costumes), and Gregory R.R. Crosby (video). The piece interweaves contemporary western and Indian dance, haunting vocals, and stunning video to ruminate on borders, beauty, water, and memory. While the piece centers the performers’ own migration stories, it is also inspired by the site adaptive installation work, Back to the Beautiful (Water Memories), by the Post Natyam Collective that has travelled to various countries around the globe.
Shyamala is grateful to the lead performers, Jazmin Alejos and Teresa Flores Segura, generously sharing their stories; to all the dancers’ powerful and heartfelt performances; to Amber Allyger for being an amazing rehearsal director; to Rebecca Bryant, Betsy Cooper and to all of the CSULB faculty, staff and students that have made me feel so welcome this semester; to Wendy and Kash for covering the kiddo care; and to Sandra Chatterjee and Cynthia Ling Lee for their consistent support through the Post Natyam Collective’s long distance process.
Stay tuned for future details in August 2020.
