Naya Zamana 15 on next Saturday

The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha promises an exquisite and unforgettable evening of dance next Saturday at the National Cultural Centre, when Naya Zamana 15 – Dancing through the Ages will be held.

Dancers at a previous Naya Zamana (Photo courtesy of Dr. Vindhya Vasini Persaud)
Dancers at a previous Naya Zamana (Photo courtesy of Dr. Vindhya Vasini Persaud)

Naya Zamana 15 is not intended to be a historical treatise on the movement of Indian dance from ancient times to present day but merely to provide snapshots from various eras of dance in a creative and entertaining style, a press release said.  The objective is to produce work that is bold and provocative, and in the process, present differing dimensions to classical and modern Indian dance.

Among the highlights of the evening will be a magic show and dance performed by some 24 children; a Warrior Dance done in the style of Kalari Payattu – an ancient Indian dance form that is referred to as the mother of all martial arts; a dance around the theme of domestic violence and a fun dance which demonstrates Bollywood’s effect on the world’s impression of what Indian dance is.

The production is enhanced by artistic and opulent sets created specially for the production by Andrew Juman of Andrew Arts and exquisite costumes designed by Trishala Persaud.

Naya Zamana 15, choreographed by Dr. Vindhya Vasini Persaud and Trishala Persaud boasts a cast of some 70 dancers, all of whom have received training at the Dharmic Sabha’s Sanskritik Kendra in Prashad Nagar.

Dancers at a previous Naya Zamana (Photo courtesy of Dr. Vindhya Vasini Persaud)
Dancers at a previous Naya Zamana (Photo courtesy of Dr. Vindhya Vasini Persaud)

Among the senior dancers performing this year are Gina Arjoon, Zahrah Alli, Alana Seebarran, Roshini Boodhoo, Indhira Harry, Khavita Singh, Reshma Ramrattan and Omkaar Tewari. There will also be creatively presented songs from Sookrane Boodhoo and Suchitra Rampersaud.

Tickets at $1200 and $1000 are available at the National Cultural Centre, Dharmic Sanskritik Kendra, Prashad Nagar (tel. no. 227-6181), Bhagwan’s – Water Street, Annjee’s at the City Mall and the Murti Shop -West Coast Demerara. The show starts at 8 pm.