Inspired by the desire to make Indian classical arts to the Portuguese-speaking public more affordable, "Uma Canção de país longínquo” ( A song from a distant land) unites dance and Indian classical music (Kathak and Khayal), with Portuguese poets texts; Luís de Camões (who traveled to India in the sixteenth century) and Fernando Pessoa.

There are many misconceptions in the West in relation to Indian performing arts. People admire the external beauty of gestures and presentation but often retain this idea that these arts are  linked to religious rituals.  In the process often the subtle meaning is lost.  For this very reason , integrating texts in Portuguese with one of the oldest traditions in Kathak - storytelling in dance with a recited text - not only the most literal representation of the text but the levels of interpretation more subtle, abstract and atmospheric, are intended to become evident and understandable.

Integrating texts from Fernando Pessoa  (the title '' Uma Canção de país longínquo” is a fragment of Pessoa's prose) and Luís de Camões, we intend to make accessible and understandable the beauty of Indian arts.

An ensemble of 10 artists (dancers and musicians), the programme  aims at exploring the scope of  Indian performing arts (Kathak and Khayal)  at more subtle levels, not only the most literal representation, while retaining the ambience and classical character of Indian arts at the same time making them  more accessible through the use of  poetic texts which the audience  is familiar with.

 

Dancers : 6 

Musicians : 3 

Duration : 60 mins with interval 

Video Link : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOTxC_Wps_I

 

Concept and Direction : Lajja Sambhavnath (India / Portugal), Stephen Bull ( UK /Portugal)

 Coreography :  Lajja Sambhavnath

 Music : Stephen Bull , Tarana composed by Cllive  Bell (UK) 

Narrator : Helena Afonso (Portugal) 

Light Design : Sérgio  Joaquim (Portugal)

 Costumes :  Lajja Sambhavnath

Set Design :  Lajja Sambhavnath,   Avani Shah (Portugal) 

Photo Credits : Chase Valentin, Jose Brigada, Rosario Mendes