The Sujata Banerjee Dance Company (SBDC) has announced the return of the Hemantika Festival, an annual celebration of classical Indian dance with a focus on Kathak.
The festival, now in its ninth year, will take place across four London boroughs from 22nd October to 30th November, offering a range of performances, workshops, and immersive experiences.
Two events will be held near Harrow, one in Edgware, and one in Wembley, providing local audiences with the chance to experience Kathak in various forms. On 17th November, Shishukunj Bhavan in Edgware will host “The Journey of Kathak,” a multi-sensory, immersive experience that guides attendees through the history and evolution of the dance form. This event is designed to be accessible to all, with seating options and lift access for elderly and wheelchair users.
In Wembley, St Cuthbert’s Church Hall will host a workshop and performance on 22nd October for the Memory Café Dementia group, a longstanding partner of SBDC since 2023. The event will include workshops and performances designed specifically for the members of the group, focusing on the storytelling aspects of Kathak.
Reflecting on this year’s festival, Sujata Banerjee MBE, founder of SBDC, said, “We want to honour our past while embracing the future with fresh energy. This year’s theme, ‘Reflections’, symbolises our journey and commitment to presenting Kathak with authenticity while exploring new and innovative presentations.”
The festival’s ninth edition, themed “Reflections,” aims to preserve the rich heritage of South Asian dance while embracing innovation and new talent. Following the UK celebrations, SBDC dancers will travel to India in early 2025 to participate in four festivals there, drawing inspiration for Hemantika’s 10th anniversary next year.
“We believe in the importance of upholding the integrity of classical Indian dance while finding innovative ways to engage new audiences,” said Sujata Banerjee.
“Through collaborations with artists like Aakash Odedra and ClimArts, we aim to present Kathak in new contexts, ensuring that Indian dance is not just for Indians but for everyone.”
One of the key performances during the festival is a reinterpretation of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake through Kathak. Titled The Goddess of Swan Lake, the performance will take place on 10th November at the Arts Depot and will feature live music from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. This unique fusion of Western classical music and Kathak dance reimagines the love story of Odette and Siegfried, showcasing the storytelling power of Kathak.
In addition to large-scale performances, the festival will also offer more intimate presentations, such as the event at Shishukunj Bhavan, which aims to take Kathak directly to community spaces. These immersive experiences will allow audiences to experience the journey of Kathak from its origins in temple storytelling to its evolution into royal court performances and modern-day concert halls.
The Hemantika Festival is not just about performances; it also includes workshops, interactive sessions, and outreach activities. Workshops will be led by renowned artists and focus on various aspects of Kathak. A special thematic backdrop for the festival has been designed by guest artist Anup Giri from Kolkata, using sustainable materials, which will be reused for future performances.
Tickets for the festival are now available, and the organisers expect high demand. The festival invites audiences from all backgrounds to explore the rich tradition of Kathak. For more information and to book tickets, visit sbdc-kathak.com/hemantika-2024-events.
The Hemantika Festival is supported by Arts Council England and the Foyle Foundation.
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