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 NatyaFest: A festival rooted in tradition, evolving through innovation - Dr. Martina Hamm Photos courtesy: Nityaa Arts Centre June 7, 2025 This was my third visit to NatyaFest - a once in a year Indian dance concert happening in Munich, Germany. The event was not just a performance; it was a celebration of transcultural storytelling - where South Indian traditions met Central European folklore in a deeply moving and visually arresting performance. On Sunday, May 25, 2025, Munich's renowned Carl-Orff-Saal at FAT CAT (formerly Gasteig) hosted the fourth edition of NatyaFest, titled DESTINY. This 90min dance-drama performance, organized by the Nityaa Arts Centre, offered an immersive exploration of fate, ego, and liberation through the lens of classical Indian dance theatre.  DESTINY was a testament to the power of art in exploring profound human themes. Through its innovative collaboration of traditional and contemporary elements, the event successfully bridged cultural divides and offered a thought-provoking reflection on the forces that shape our lives. The core narrative for DESTINY was based on a German folk tale, reinterpreted to align with the philosophical tenets. The performance centered on a greedy King's futile struggle to outwit fate. Recast through the lens of Indian philosophy, the tale explored themes of ego, greed, luck, and the eventual search for liberation (spiritual). These themes resonated deeply with the human emotions, giving the story a timeless and borderless relevance. The narrative unfolded through a blend of Bharatanatyam, storytelling, Folk dances, Ballet and world music, inviting the audience to reflect on the complexities of human nature and the pursuit of freedom. Dr. Vasundhara Doraswamy, an acclaimed exponent of Bharatanatyam, led the choreographic direction. Through the expressive hand gestures, rhythmic footwork, and abhinaya, she and her ensemble brought a German folk tale to life in a distinctly South Indian idiom. While Bharatanatyam traditionally portrays Hindu deities and mythological stories, here it was used to embody characters from European legends - an innovative approach that required both linguistic and artistic adaptability. This reinterpretation demanded not just technical brilliance but cultural sensitivity and creative courage - all of which was delivered with grace under the guidance of the experienced veteran artiste. The concept, scenes, and narration were thoughtfully developed by Shubhada Subramanyam, whose creative vision provided a strong foundation for the production. The integrated narration brought clarity and emotional depth to the performance, guiding the audience through each layer of the story with ease. The carefully curated backdrop images complemented the narrative, enhancing the visual experience and helping the audience connect more deeply with the emotions portrayed on stage. The music was composed by Praveen D Rao from Bengaluru. It was a musical brilliance blending Indian ragas, Western classical motifs, German folk melodies, and electronic soundscapes, creating a sonic backdrop that felt both traditional and modern. This world music not only supported the dance but also became a narrative force in its own right - using sound to reflect psychological shifts, destiny's pull, and the inner conflicts of the characters.  The ensemble consisted of dancers from the group Kalakars Germany, Historical European Dance group, a Ballet dancer and independent dancers, totalling to around 25 artistes. Each group of dancers lit up the stage with their unique talent, energy, and vibrant spirit. The performances added colour, life, and excitement to the show, and together, made it a memorable cultural collaboration on a theatrical canvas. Audience was warmly welcomed, with the program commencing at 19:00. The performance offered a transformative experience that resonated deeply with the diverse audience. What was also impressive was the punctual start and end of the program, no deviations and a heartwarming vote of thanks not forgetting anyone but still being crisp and short. The event was accessible to all ages and included Indian dinner at the end of the concert. The experiment was successful by promoting cross-cultural understanding, and making classical Indian dance more accessible to a Western audience. It is noteworthy to mention here that the event was well attended. A significant number of them were from outside the Indian community. The organiser, Shubhada Subramanyam remarks that it is inspiring to see Indian dance captivating a diverse audience. NatyaFest 2025's DESTINY offered more than entertainment - it was a dialogue between civilizations, spoken in the universal languages of music and movement. By marrying the classical with the contemporary, the Indian with the German, and the spiritual with the mythical, the festival demonstrated how art transcends borders. It underlined the powerful message: while our stories may differ in origin, the destinies they depict are universally human. Now in its fourth successful year, NatyaFest has firmly established itself as a premier platform for classical Indian dance in Germany. Organized by the Nityaa Arts Centre, the festival has grown into a space where tradition meets experimentation - and where Indian classical art forms engage in dialogue with global cultures. The festival promises to keep evolving as a beacon of intercultural creativity for years to come. Dr. Martina Hamm is a microbiologist and a yoga enthusiast. |
