
Melbourne: September 2024: Karma Dance one of Australia's most celebrated and innovative dance companies, is thrilled to announce its latest production, Temple of Desire, making its highly anticipated debut at the Melbourne Fringe Festival. This evocative dance performance, rooted in ancient Indian culture, will grace the stage at the Malthouse Theatre with three shows running from October 4- 5, 2024.
Temple of Desire is set to challenge the traditional boundaries of this ancient artform, merging the ancient dance form of Bharatanatyam with contemporary queer and trans narratives. This full-length performance features a dynamic ensemble of 15 dancers of South Asian descent and a trans person of colour actor - exploring themes of cultural loss, post-colonial trauma, and sexual liberation and what it can tell us about modern issues like queer rights, women’s rights, and the trans experience. A visually stunning presentation, the production embarks on a transformative journey from sombre beginnings to a dazzling celebration of queer euphoria and freedom.
In addition to the captivating performances, the closing night will feature Temple of Desire: The Party, an extravagant celebration with a trans DJ, transforming the Malthouse foyer into a vibrant space of inclusivity and joy.
Karma’s Artistic Director, Govind Pillai, said, “Temple of Desire is unprecedented because it is revives a 3000-year-old artform in ways never seen before, infused with the vibrant energy of contemporary queer and pre-colonial experiences that reflect our modern world. This performance is not just a contemporary dance show; it's an urgent response to the need for art that uplifts and celebrates marginalized voices, merging traditional elegance with modern defiance.”
This ground-breaking production addresses the historical acceptance of same-sex relationships in pre- colonial India, juxtaposed with the impact of post-colonial-era laws. By recontextualizing Bharatanatyam’s traditional elements with modern attire and innovative choreography, Temple of Desire aims to captivate and challenge audiences - particularly engaging younger generations and those interested in experimental and subversive art forms.
“the sinuous beauty and strength of the classical Indian dance lexicon
- Dance Informa
“stunned by the breathtaking performance. Truly mesmerising”
- The Age
“graceful, elegant”
- The Conversation
“joyous, sensuous and vulnerable”
– Indian Link
Karma Dance has long been at the forefront of reinterpreting classical Indian dance for the twenty-first century. Renowned for their sell-out productions and critical acclaim, their previous works have been featured at prestigious venues including the Sydney Opera House and Arts Centre Melbourne, as well as international festivals in India, Malaysia, and beyond. Temple of Desire is poised to further cement the company's reputation as a pioneer in culturally diverse and intersectional performance art.
Tickets available for purchase via the Malthouse Theatre website https://www.malthousetheatre.com.au/what-s-on/hirer-events/temple-of-desire/
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