Martiya Dance Community is back with it's new production Black Lotus that explores women's stories

'May we exist in muddy water with purity, like a lotus,' is an old Zen saying and the basis of Martiya Dance Community's upcoming production, Black Lotus. Directed and choreographed by Kavya Vishwanathan, trained dancer and founder of the dance community, the production uses stories from the everyday life of women in an attempt to reflect on the mundane.

Nine performers will present this show, which is an amalgamation of dance, music and narration. The production uses musical instruments like kalimba, djembe, flute, ukulele and harmonica. "This performance tells stories about women’s childhood, regrets and other moments from their lives. I spent a lot of time with these stories till I figured out a common thread of feelings that formed the concept of the production," explains Kavya.

She adds that people will be able to connect to the emotional references in this abstract performance through their own experiences. "The production is based on contemporary dance and interpretive dance movements. The message I want audiences to take back home is that we are capable of blossoming like a lotus even though we are surrounded by muddy water. In the modern world, it’s the toxicity that surrounds us," she offers. When asked about the reason behind the focus on women, she says she wanted to share stories that are within the purview of her experiences.

Rs 350. July 5 and 6, 7.30 pm. At Shoonya, Lalbagh Road

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