'Ish Mir - The Theatre of Gods’

This kathak performance draws from the spiritual and mythological heritage of the Indian subcontinent. It brings together images of Lord Ganesh, the power of Shiva, the chant Govindaya Namo Namah, and the deep, soul-stirring love found in Sufi thoughts. At its core, it celebrates a tradition that showcases how classical dance is passed down through generations, from teacher to student, from mother to daughter. 

Presented by a live ensemble of dancers and musicians, the piece features iconic compositions layered with music, text, and movement. The choreography is led by Gauri Sharma Tripathi, under the guidance of her mother and guru, Padma Sharma. It features performances by Neeti Premkumar, Saloni Saraf, and Tarini Tripathi. Accompanying them on stage are Pt. Kalinath Mishra on tabla, Vaibhav Mankad on vocals, Sangeet Mishra on sarangi, and Shashank Acharya on flute.  
 
Gauri Sharma Tripathi is a leading Kathak artist known for blending classical techniques with contemporary themes. Trained in Lucknow Gharana, she has worked for over 40 years as a performer, choreographer, and teacher. Her work reflects deep commitment to tradition while also embracing new ideas and global collaborations. She is the founder of ANKH Dance in the UK and Amara Nritya Kala Hansa in India, and has created works for artists and companies across the world – including Akram Khan, Elton John, A.R. Rahman, and the BBC. 

This performance is both a personal and artistic offering. It honours lineage, celebrates rhythm, and invites audiences into a space where devotion and dance move as one. 

This performance is supported by Reliance Foundation.