Katha Dance Theatre Presents Panchatantra – The Dancing Tales of Wisdom

Performances and Events

Choreographed by KDT Artistic Director Rita Mustaphi, Panchatantra is based on a series of ancient Asian Indian animal fables originating in the 3rd century BCE. The Panchatantra tales are short, crisp, simple to understand, and always end with a moral that is still relevant today – issues of friendship, conflict, separation and union––especially as they relate to equality and social justice.

Using Kathak, the Indian classical dance form and featuring gorgeous handmade animal masks, Panchatantra will portray the stories through intricate footwork, lyrical movements, spinning pirouettes and gestural storytelling. Set to recorded music by the great J.D. Steele, his company, and musicians from India using energetic beats of Asian Indian compositions. Souvik Chakraborty of Kolkata, India joins a cast of 44 dancers including KDT’s Company, apprentices and students in this stunning world premiere.

Panchatantra – The Dancing Tales of Wisdom
November 9 at 7:30pm
November 10 at 2:00pm – ASL-interpreted
90 minutes, no intermission.
$15-$35

Kathak (pronounced “Kah-tahk”) is an Indian classical dance tradition native to North India. Its origins can be traced back to as early as 400 BCE, when it began as a form of sharing stories, myths, and Hindu scripture in temples and royal courts. Characterized by both rhythmic and lyrical elements, it features graceful hand gestures, pirouettes, and complex footwork, performed with expressiveness and precision. Over the centuries, it has grown to incorporate diverse influences and viewpoints with KDT at the forefront of its artistic evolution.

This work is funded in part by MHC with money from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund that was created with the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008. This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts. It is also made possible by a grant from the F. R. Bigelow Foundation.

Background photo by Erik Saulitis.