For centuries, Indian art forms have given expression to the philosophical pursuits of humankind, leading us into uncharted depths of our consciousness. This visually vibrant yet intriguingly abstract presentation questions one of life’s most enduring mysteries – what lies ‘beyond’?

Helmed by Kathak virtuoso Aditi Mangaldas and her critically acclaimed dance troupes – Aditi Mangaldas Dance Company and Drishtikon Dance Foundation – the showcase is arranged in different sections and yet woven together through the spirit of poetic inquiry. Its kinetic choreography reaches past the fixed points of reality we can see, hear, touch, and describe – into the realm of the unknown. Whether searching for truth, beauty, love, freedom or God, ‘Uncharted Seas’ implores the viewer to explore the mysteries of life together with the artists. The immersive experience has been conceptualized and choreographed by Aditi Mangaldas, with vocal compositions by Shubha Mudgal and Aneesh Pradhan.   

Narrated through a beautiful interplay of rhythm and stillness, darkness and light, the deeply emotive performance uses Kathak’s precision to examine the vast timelessness of this question – evoking myriad images and emotions along the way. True to Parampara’s legacy, it blends the distinct contemporaneity of Padma Vibhushan Kumudini Lakhia with the rhythmic poetry of Padma Vibhushan Pt. Birju Maharaj – the two gurus who have influenced the danseuse’s own journey.

Aditi Mangaldas is a leading Kathak dancer and choreographer recognised globally for her artistry, technique and characteristic energy which combine phenomenally to communicate the classical principles of Kathak to a contemporary, global audience. She has been nominated thrice for the National Dance Awards UK for ‘Outstanding Performance’ and won the prestigious UK Theatre Award. 

Credits
Concept, Choreography, Costumes & Stage: Aditi Mangaldas

Vocal Compositions: Shubha Mudgal and Aneesh Pradhan

Light Design: Sander Loonen

Sung Literature: Bhartendu Harishchandra, Meerabai & Sant Kabir

Research: Devyani Mangaldas, Shubha Mudgal, Aneesh Pradhan and Aditi Mangaldas

Technical Director and Sound Engineer: Yogesh Dhawan

Light adapted and executed by: Govind Singh Yadav

Stage Managers: Niranjan Gokhale / Shivani Mistry

Dancers: Aditi Mangaldas, Anindita Acharjee, Dheerendra Tiwari, Aamrapali Bhandari, Gaurav Bhatti, Diksha Tripathi, Tripti Gupta, Deepannita Sarkar, Siddhant Purohit, Gourav Jawda, Harendra Kumar Bhushan & Gaurav Shridhar

Musicians: Pakhawaj: Ashish Gangani, Vocal and Harmonium: Faraz Ahmed,
Tabla: Shahbaaz Khan & Zaheen Khan, Sarangi: Shahnawaz Ali and Vocal: Ketki Singh
 
Photo credit: Daljeet Singh & Innee Singh

Coordination and Administration: Sangeeta Rana, Kusum Arora and Manish Sharma

Production: Aditi Mangaldas Dance Company & the Drishtikon Dance Foundation