Katha: Tales from India
Single show - $625
Back-to-back shows - $750
Fees above are for school programs in Maryland, Washington, DC and northern Virginia only. For non-school or out of area programs, please contact Class Acts Arts for details.
Additional travel fee will apply.
Artist:
The Spilling Ink Project
Description:
Katha: Tales from India introduces students to two forms of South Indian classical dance, Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam. The program uses the universal concept of storytelling to engage students in the dance forms, which communicate specific stories from Indian folklore and mythology. The performance is a program in several parts, which include Hanuman Captures the Sun, Hanuman Eats the Sun and Hanuman Teaches a Lesson. Each part tells a different mythological story about the Hindu monkey god Hanuman. Each segment varies, highlighting different aspects of Indian classical dance—drama/theater, rhythm, and a combination of both. The musical content also varies for each segment, highlighting different aspects of South Indian Carnatic classical music. Narration in English will guide students through the program.
The students will learn about the visual components of the program including the facial expressions and hand gestures that are used to tell the story. Furthermore, students will learn about the aural aspects of the program, including the rhythms of the music and how they are matched by the footwork, which is enhanced by bells that are worn by the dancers. Students can exchange in a discussion, such as: what facial expressions, hand gestures, and body movements already represent elements in stories? How is the hand gesture language like sign language? Do you need music to dance or can you dance in silence? What role does music play?
After the performance, you could read a story from Indian mythology or folklore and have students illustrate the story using aspects of Indian dance, such as music, rhythm and expression. Students can even create their own hand gestures in retelling the story!
Study guides:
