Katha Dance Theatre (KDT) is excited to present the world premiere of Shaamya – Of Equality–the latest collaboration by choreographer Rita Mustaphi, Artist Director, and composer J.D. Steele–at the Park Square Theatre in St. Paul, November 19-21, 2021.
Inspired by the poetry of writer and activist Kazi Nazrul Islam (1899-1976) and using a mixture of multicultural dance, music, and spoken word poetry, the show juxtaposes past and present fights for racial, cultural and gender equity.
Equality will be set to a live rendition of original compositions by Twin Cities musical legend J.D. Steele, who will be accompanied by pianist Billy Steele and vocalist Jevetta Steele, as well as drum artist Abhinav Sharma. It will also include poetic contributions by Somali poet and playwright Ifrah Mansour, who will perform her acclaimed poem “I am a Refugee” as part of the performance.
In addition to KDT’s Kathak dance ensemble, contributions from dancers of multiethnic backgrounds will fill out the show, including ballet, flamenco, tap, and hip-hop.
Runtime: 80 minutes.
Single tickets are available here.
Showtimes:
November 19: 7:30pm
November 20: 7:30pm
November 21: 2:00pm – American sign language (ASL) interpreted; post-show discussion
This project is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov. It is also supported by a grant from St. Paul’s Cultural STAR program.
Location Info
Park Square Theatre
Historic Hamm Building
20 W. Seventh Place
St. Paul, MN 55102