Review: The Lightning Kathak by Kathak Rockers at Brady Arts Centre ★★★★★
A Season of Bangla Drama 2023 is graced with a stunning performance from Kumar Sharma’s sublime dance troupe, the Kathak Rockers.
The Lightning Kathak by Kathak Rockers | Brady Arts Centre | 10 November 2023
Initiates to the world of Kathak – a traditional Indian dance from Uttar Pradesh – should be prepared for a quite incredible introduction to the genre should they be lucky enough to encounter the mesmeric majesty of the Kathak Rockers. Led by pocket rocket dance superstar Kumar Sharma, Kathak Rockers are an impossibly synchronised troupe of world class dancers, whose hour of Kathak dancing left us gagging for more!
The Lightning Kathak is an a modern interpretation of the ancient art form of Kathak, based on the epic ‘Mahabharat’. Right from the off, the incredible timing, athleticism and sheer panache on display is just awesome – every dance is a jaw-dropping triumph. There are a number of show stopping moments, perhaps best of all a showcase of Kathak spinning which truly boggles the mind!
Along the way, in what we understand to be typical Kathak-style, Sharma and his fellow dancers take to the standing microphone to tell us stories – in this case, explaining some of the technical skills and storytelling motivations behind each movement. The 15-count of their Kathak dancing is a challenge to pick up, but it’s fun to try to count along in the audience, and the Kathak Rockers are generous, encouraging teachers.
It’s a real honour to spend an hour enjoying this beautiful movement, set to beautiful music – and once again, a reminder of the priceless value of A Season of Bangla Drama. Encore!
A Season of Bangla Drama continues until 26 November – check out the programme here!
.
I am Joint Editor at To Do List. I like: nice pubs, film marathons, not doing real marathons, bad comedy, plays/musicals with shorter second halves, and the Oxford comma.
