Norfolk’s very own Classical Indian dancing group, Natyapriya, and Poet and Musician extraordinaire Samia Malik, have collaborated to produce ‘Land of Hope’. It has been described by the Asian Times as “an exploration of different women in different languages, and different countries, with one story, this is a skilful performance that celebrates differences" Samia’s work is deeply political and personal, and yet familiar. Her haunting and powerful lyrics acquire another dimension with the strong choreography and dancing of Anne Tiburtius and the Natyapriya Indian Dance Company. Anne has directed and choreographed numerous dance productions, the most recent of which was an acclaimed production of Herman Hesse’s Siddhartha. The Guardian described Natyapriya’s work as exciting, unorthodox, beautiful, articulate and powerful. Natyapriya specialises in Bharatanatyam, which is characterised by beautiful hand gestures, vibrant athletic dancing, statuesque poses and opulent silk costumes. The extreme femininity and strength of this dance form complements Samia’s edgy and feminist poetry wonderfully well. ‘Land of Hope’ combines the best of Samia’s and Natyapriya’s work. Dancers Annie Blyth (Scottish) and Yan Li (Chinese) both said that they found a deep resonance with Samia’s Urdu poetry and identified with her experiences and observations on sexual politics and society at large. The production explores the experiences of a diaspora from a cultural and emotional point of view. These experiences maybe variously happy, sad, painful, moving and exhilarating but are always vibrant and unforgettable. ‘Land of Hope’ articulates these experiences through the traditions of Bharatanatyam and Urdu Ghazal music. Samia Malik and Anne Tiburtius, both draw heavily on their South Asian roots to express themselves through their art, but this, rather than make the production inaccessible, makes it more powerful, uncomfortable, uplifting and moving. Click here to book via the Theatre Royal Box Office Click here to book via the UEA Box Office Click here for the Natyapriya website Click here for Samia Malik's website |
