Kumar Sambhav in Kathak and Odissi style to be performed

SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: I-RADHA in collaboration with Utkala Center for Odissi Dance has slated a presentation of Kumar Sambhav, an immortalplay penned by KalidasAugust 10at Pfieffer Hall in Naperville, a southside suburb of Chicago

Kumar Sambhav is a dance-drama presented in two prominent Indian classical dance styles, Kathak and Odissi.

Indian literature is filled with countless interesting mythological stories. One such is Kumar Sambhav,the story of Kartikeya, son of Lord Shiva and Parvati. Tarkasur , a demon who is also a devotee of Lord Shiva, receives a boon that makes him almost undefeatable. He can only be defeated by the yet to be born son of Lord Shiva and Parvati.As his power grows, Tarkasur starts terrorizing and tormenting the mortals on earth.The dilemma is that Shiva is not married to Parvati yet, and is in deep meditation. Through concerted efforts of other gods, Shiva falls in love with Parvati and marries her. Kartikeya’s birth could not have been timelier to put an end to Tarkasur’s tyranny.

Indian parents in the US have a difficult time finding ways to introduce their children to Indian culture. This is also a great opportunity for them and for the mainstream American audience to experience Indian mythology, Indian classical dance and music in one enthralling show. Kumar Sambhav will captivate the audience.with a glimpse into the rich Indian arts and culture.

I-RADHA, which stands for Indian Rhythms, Arts, & Dances Heritage Academy, is a not-for-profit organization with 501 (C)(3) status. It was established in 2016 with the support of legendary Kathak maestro Pandit Birju Maharaj. I-RADHA’s mission is not just to preserve the rich Indian classical music and dance forms but also to promote and spread them amongst a wider mainstream audience.

I-RADHA’s artistic director and accomplished Kathak dancer and choreographer, Guru Kiran Chouhan,teaches the classical dance form at Libertyville, Schaumburg, and Naperville centers. I-RADHA is affiliated with Prayag Sangit Samiti in India and holds Kathak exams once a year.

Utkala Center for Odissi Dance is a premier dance institution in the Chicago area dedicated to Odissi classical dance under the director, award winning dancer, and choreographer Ipsita Mahapatra. Utkala is a center of excellence for preservation, propagation and promotion of this art form in the Midwest region, providing a unique opportunity for the Odissi style to flourish and fostering a better understanding of Odissi and Indian art in the area.

Kumar Sambhav is presented through beautiful choreography, accompanied by rich music. The audience will be transported to the ancient world of gods and demons as they witness this drama unfold.