Austin Dance India Hosts Virtual Premiere Of Sacred Earth Stories

NORTH AUSTIN, TX— The community is invited to a fascinating glimpse into intersectional environmentalism through a virtual production connecting ancient earth mythologies with current issues. Austin Dance India will host the virtual event, Sacred Earth Stories: A Virtual Production identifies the ways in which injustices happening to marginalized communities and the earth are interconnected.

The virtual production is scheduled Sunday, August 16 beginning at 7:30 p.m. and will highlight the connection between ancient earth mythologies with current global and social justice issues such as oppression, sustainability, and climate change. The production will include the traditional Bharata Natyam dance of India, spoken word commentary, traditional gestures, rhythm, and commissioned world music merge to create a stunning dancescape linking the past and present.

The impressive production will feature original choreography led by Artistic Director, Anuradha Naimpally, with original music score played by some of the finest musicians in Central Texas including Ashwini Gore-Deshpande on vocals, Mukund Gore on harmonium, Amie Maciszewski on sitar, Jason McKenzie on tabla/kanjira/doumbek, Surabi Veeraragavan on nattuvangam, Jacco Velarde on pan flute, and Srivi Balaji on mridangam. This creates a beautiful soundscape for the visually stunning dance by the Austin Dance India ensemble including Anuradha Naimpally, Soumya N. Ashok, Purna Esha Bajekal, Sreenidhi Tupuri, and Sanjana Aluru. Spoken word commentary by Carla Nade Nickerson.

The production is free, and participants are asked to register in order to receive a link to the performance. Donations will also be accepted in support of Outdoor Afro - a national non-profit that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature; and Indigenous Environmental Network - an alliance of Indigenous peoples whose mission it is to protect the sacredness of Earth Mother from contamination and exploitation by strengthening, maintaining and respecting Indigenous teachings and natural laws. For more information and to register to the virtual production, click HERE.