Grand Dance Musical - Satrangi Re - 7 Shades Of Love!

Step into the world of royalty and mysticism with our captivating dance musical, ‘Satrangi Re.' Explore the mesmerizing tale of a king's life intertwined with the mystical Sufi teachings of the 7 stages of love. Join us on Sunday May 11th, 2025 at the Venice Island Performing Arts & Recreation Center for an unforgettable evening filled with vibrant performances that celebrate the beauty of love in all its forms. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to experience the magic of dance like never before!

Doors open at 2:30pm | Show starts at 3pm

Venue: Venice Island Performing Arts Center

7 Lock St, Philadelphia, PA 19127

Synopsis:

Experience the enchanting journey of Wajid Ali Shah, the last Nawab of Awadh, as his life unfolds through the prism of Sufi wisdom. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century India, our dance musical delves into the opulent courts of Lucknow, where Wajid Ali Shah's passion for arts and culture flourished amidst political upheaval.

Through vibrant choreography and soul-stirring music, witness the king's quest for love, art, and spiritual enlightenment, guided by the timeless teachings of the 7 stages of Sufi love. From the ecstasy of attraction to the ultimate union with the divine, each stage illuminates Wajid Ali Shah's tumultuous yet transcendent journey.

Amidst lavish sets and breathtaking performances, our production invites audiences to immerse themselves in the richness of Indian history and the depth of Sufi philosophy. As the rhythms of dance and music intertwine, 'Satrangi Re' transports viewers on a transformative odyssey of love, longing, and liberation.

Who is this story about?

Wajid Ali Shah, the last Nawab of Awadh, who’s transcendent journey left an indelible mark on Indian history. Renowned as an aesthetic influencer , his unwavering patronage to the realms of kathak, music, literature are unparalleled as he not only preserved these traditions but also infused them with his own creativity and innovation as a poet, dancer & playwright . Beyond his artistic endeavors, Wajid Ali Shah was a visionary leader who embraced both Hindu and Muslim traditions, fostering a spirit of inclusivity and cultural harmony. His reign witnessed a flourishing of cultural exchange and collaboration, as artists and intellectuals from diverse backgrounds converged in the vibrant courts of Awadh.

However, Wajid Ali Shah's progressive ideals and revolutionary spirit posed a threat to colonial interests. In a bid to suppress his influence, the British colonizers orchestrated his arrest and exile, fearing the power of his ideas and the strength of his leadership. Yet, even in exile, Wajid Ali Shah remained a symbol of resilience and defiance, continuing to inspire generations with his unwavering commitment to freedom, creativity, and cultural expression. His legacy endures as a testament to the enduring power of art to transcend boundaries and ignite change in the face of adversity.

What can the audience expect?

The kathak production features a diverse array of musical genres, from nostalgic melodies reminiscent of classic Bollywood to the soul-stirring strains of Thumris, Rubais and timeless Ghazals. The creative process has been a labor of love, blending traditional dance form with contemporary choreography to capture the essence of Wajid Ali Shah's royal court. From intricate Kathak sequences to expressive storytelling through movement, our dancers breathe life into history with every step. In addition to the mesmerizing performances, audiences can also expect stunning visual elements, lavish costumes, props and immersive set design that transport them to the opulent world of 19th-century Lucknow.

About Kathak Dance Collective:

Kathak Dance Collective (KDC) is a South Asian performing arts organization founded by Deepa Devasena with an intent to nurture the development & interactions with Indian dance forms. KDC has earned an unparalleled reputation for large-scale productions, collaborative work with international musicians and local artists alike, to bring the experience of live dance & music experience to a global platform. KDC takes pride in its continued efforts dedicated to building an Indian dance community across a dozen US states and providing the highest caliber of artistic education through short-term and long-term training programs that are designed to develop movement awareness and evolution of Indian classical arts.

About Deepa Devasena:

Deepa Devasena is a professional dancer, choreographer, and ardent student of the Indian Classical Kathak dance form. She has graduated under two stalwarts, the legendary Pt. Birju Maharaj and internationally acclaimed dancing duo Smt. Nirupama and Shri. Rajendra. She also underwent training in the Bharatanatyam form of dance under late Sundari Santanam and Smt. Radha Sridhar was she got the opportunity to feature many times on Indian national television with her mentor’s group.

Deepa has been invited to perform at esteemed festivals and prestigious venues in India, the UK, and all over the USA not only as a solo artist creating original works but also to present collaborations with master musicians. As a member of Abhinava dance company, India and Sujata Banerjee Dance Company, London Deepa has hosted and participated in many large-scale productions like “Romeo and Juliet”, “Rama Katha Vismaya”, “Together we can” to name a few.

Deepa’s talents stretch beyond dancing into the realms of choreography. She is an aesthetic and elaborate choreographer. In 2013, she choreographed the world’s first Bollywood premiere of Fidelio − a German opera by Beethoven for Skylight Music Theater. The opera was also showcased in Times Square New York, received critical acclaim in newspapers and magazines for a fresh approach, creativity, and innovation.

Deepa earned a senior diploma in Kathak from Prayag Sangeet Samiti, Allahabad. She is also a qualified dance teacher who has completed the advanced course scoring distinction from The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD), one of the world’s leading dance examination boards. In the last two years she has graduated in two diploma courses- Natyasastra- practice & application of Karanas and Kathak Taal marg in Bharata college of fine arts and culture, Mumbai India.

As the founder & artistic director of Kathak Dance Collective, Deepa is actively engaged in training many young dancers, performing, collaborating, and creating new repertoires for dance and teaching all across the USA. Deepa is currently pursuing her advanced research and studies on Indian aesthetics.

Host or Publisher Kathak Dance Collective