A taste of the globe at Attakkalari Biennial Art 2017

10-day contemporary movement arts festival off to a grand start

The eighth edition of Attakkalari India Biennial (AIB) got off to a grand start at Chowdiah Memorial Hall here on Friday evening. The audience knew they were in for a rich cultural potpourri as the opening ceremony was marked by a dazzling musical performance by Vuyani Dance Theatre from South Africa. This year’s theme is ‘BLR Moves’ where the festival is featuring a host of performers and delegates from across the globe. The first troupe to delight the art enthusiasts of Bengaluru was Second Nature Dance Company from South Korea which came up with ‘R U ready?’.

An intense production, it posed the question of whether one is ready to reflect on their inner self and face the world as they truly are, after being knocked down by the endless demands that society places on a person. Choreographed by Kim Sung-han, this was a rather serious and dark performance that held the attention of the spectators and transported them into a trance of sorts. The second team to perform was Gamblerz and Animation, also from South Korea, which presented a light-hearted street dance show, complete with swift movements and lively visuals.

The production aimed to present balance and harmony between the traditional and the modern in a contemporary light. Props like hand fans and masks and laser light effects in the background added to the vibrancy of the feature. Besides the flawless and agile movements of each of the performers, what caught the attention of the spectators was also the way they emoted in accordance with the various themes.

Vuyani Dance Theatre from South Africa will perform at Chowdiah Memorial Hall at 7.30 pm on Saturday. Tickets for the event, which is on till February 12, are available at www.bookmyshow.com and at the Attakkalari office. Tickets for shows at Ranga Shankara will be available at the venue.