Kolkata, the city of joy, is about to experience two splendid evenings at Kolkata Center for Creativity (KCC), on the 25th and 26th of February from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Italian dancer-choreographer and the founder of EDC-EurAsia Dance Company, Stefano Fardelli, is traveling to Kolkata for the world premiere of his two dance shows, Om-Mani-Padme-Hum and Svarupa & Vyakta. The project has been commissioned by the Berlin Dance Institute in collaboration with EurAsia Dance Project International Network and supported by the Italian Cultural Institute, the General Consulate of Italy, and the Kolkata Centre for Creativity.
About Om Mani Padme Hum
Om Mani Padme Hum is a new work by Stefano and it focuses on the history and rituals of the Tibetan Buddhists of the Yellow Hat Order with a particular connection to Shaolin monks. The title is derived from Sanskrit and it means ‘honoring the lotus jewel’.
The performance will be staged by Umberto Gesi (Italy), Tejaswini Loundo (India), Marco Hernandez (Mexico), and Jesus Rea (Bolivia).
“Kolkata Centre for Creativity’s art offerings are loved by people across India. Their collaboration with Eurasia Dance International Network for the world premiere of Om-Mani-Padme-Hum and Svarupa-Vyakta is attracting dance lovers. I hope that this showcase will contribute to the creative development of young and emerging artists in India and promote cross border cultural exchange. I wish Kolkata Centre for Creativity all the very best as they grow by leaps and bounds” said Richa Agarwal, Chairperson, Kolkata Centre for Creativity said,
“I’m delighted to announce that the Kolkata Centre for Creativity in partnership with Eurasia Dance International Network is presenting the world premiere of Om-Mani-Padme-Hum and Svarupa-Vyakta, directed by celebrated dancer-choreographer Stefano Fardelli. This groundbreaking project is an embellishment to our repertoire of cutting edge work in performing and visual arts. I believe that this project will be a special experience for audiences in Kolkata, promote excellence in contemporary dance, and stimulate creative expressions among young and emerging artists in India.” said Reena Dewan, Director, Kolkata Centre for Creativity said,
About Svarupa-Vyakta
Svarupa-Vyakta will be staged as a duet after the premiere of Om Mani Padme Hum. The title is derived from the combination of two Sanskrit words and is inspired by Stefano’s trip to Varanasi which left him stunned by its vibrant culture and ambience. Originally conceptualized as a solo performance, the piece won a prize at the Gdansk Solo Dance Contest in Poland and after that, it went on tour around the world.
The piece will be performed by Marco Hernandez (Mexico) and Jesus Rea (Bolivia).
About Stefano Fardelli
Stefano Fardelli is a celebrated dancer, choreographer, teacher, and Artistic Director of EurAsia Dance Project International Network. He obtained his degree at M.A.S. Academy in Milan and has toured all over the globe with his stunning performances. His most prominent international collaborations include the Berlin Opera, The Place, Royal Filand Opera, Les Gens d’Uterpan, English National Opera, Cie Twain, etc.
He teaches Feldenkrais technique and contemporary dance for the biggest festivals, theatres, professional centers, and dance companies the world over. In 2011, he was selected by the Italian Government among the young talents who would represent Italy to the world.
His productions are supported in Europe by Ass. Cult. Pindoc Onlus and DanceHaus which are supported by the Italian Government and by the Istituto Italiano di Cultura and Italian Embassy.
About Kolkata Centre for Creativity (KCC)
A unit of Anamika Kala Sangam Trust (AKST), Kolkata Centre for Creativity (KCC) is a multi-disciplinary interactive art and creativity Centre located in Kolkata, West Bengal. It is the first in Eastern India to make Art accessible to the visually impaired and differently-abled under their ‘Art for All’ initiative. Spearheaded by Richa Agarwal as its Chairperson, the 70,000 sq. ft. center has been the leading art and cultural landscape of contemporary India since November 2018. It comprises an Amphitheatre, Exhibition & Learning Spaces, Dance studio, Conservation Lab, Books & Materials Library, Creative Culinary space, Craft & Design outlet, and a Skill Development Maker’s section. Integrating several expressions of art and design to highlight their common creative core – KCC encourages visitors to explore, interact and design ideas on various art forms. KCC works in the areas of Capacity Building, Well-Being, Conservation & Restoration, Craft & Design, Culinary, and Visual and Performing Art. It acts as a catalyst for Artistic enhancement through Displays, Presentations, Fellowships, Laboratories, Residences, Conservation, Research, and Discourses.
The programs at KCC are designed on the principles of Cultural Diversity, Gender Equality, Conservation of the Environment, and Inclusion of people with different abilities.
The Centre offers free entry to the public and is open between 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information about exhibitions and conferences, please visit www.kolkatacentreforcreativity.org
