By Judy Carmack Bross
At Classic Chicago, profiling cultural leaders is a joy and wishing Happy 10th Anniversary to Pranita Nayar, who epitomizes both grace and determination through her leadership of Mandala South Asian Performing Arts, is quite special. The Founding Artistic Director knows how to connect Bollywood to ballet, hip-hop to classical, giving audiences the vibrancy, flavors and colors of the performing arts traditions of South Asia. To celebrate the 10th, she presents “Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow,” an immersive evening of the five senses, on April 10 throughout PRIMITIVE gallery and showroom, one of the most stunning venues in our town.
Pranita Nayar
“India is the biggest country in South Asia but our dances reach from the Himalayas eastward along trade and migration routes from India. We tell stories with a cultural mix, blending classic India with current visual and rhythmic experiences. DJ Atish and choreographer Amber Mehta have wonderful surprises for us April 10. Watch for a great mix of cultures,” Nayar said.
Amber Mehta, photo by Ryan Smith Visuals.
The evening will honor tradition and innovation in South Asian performing arts that strive to unite culture, community, and creativity. Performances will take place throughout the venue, with appetizers and drinks available as guests make their way through the event space. The evening will showcase dance that combines jazz, hip-hop, and Bharatanatyam, as well as live folk and classical music. “Some of our dancers will be activating art objects on different floors at PRIMITIVE, the perfect spot for the celebration,” Nayar said.
Ashwaty Chennat, photo by William Frederking
Performers will include past collaborators—including Ashwaty Chennat, Shalaka Kulkarni, and Kinnari Vora—and artists new to Mandala, including this spring’s artist-in-residence, multi-genre dancer-choreographer Amber Mehta, who grew up and studied dance in the Chicago area.
Kinnari Vora, photo by William Frederking.
Event co-chairs are Mila Beryozkin and Shalini Sawhney.
Nayar uses the vibrant colors and dances of India with sagacity and told us of the Bollywood’s legacy.
“The gift of Bollywood to the world is happiness and an escape. India produces serious dances but there is nothing compared to the sheer joy of Bollywood that takes you far from reality,” Nayar said. “And for all our costumes, you can’t imagine a wider range of colors.”
Mandala’s 10th anniversary year also includes a recital choreographed by Mehta on May 31 at Visceral Dance Center, 3121 North Rockwell Street in Chicago; the 7th annual Mandala Makers Festival this summer; and community performances in the fall, including an event commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
“The word mandala translates as the universe and when used as a design it is believed to be only temporary. No two mandalas are alike, just as no two dances can look alike since the dance goes into the dancer’s body and no two dancers are the same,” Nayar added. “There’s something really wonderful that happens when you experience a new culture and make something new out of it for yourself.”
Often, we come upon people and places by chance and find ourselves blessed by surprise. I first met Pranita Nayar when I was running late from another interview, and not really prepared with questions to ask about Mandala. Quickly I saw she embodied the dignity and wisdom of a true creator, who personifies the vibrancy of her work and remains an example of the finest of Chicago’s cultural leaders. We wish her and Mandala a very Happy 10th Anniversary knowing that the performance will capture all they have worked and dreamed to create.
Shalaka Kulkarni in performance.
For more information, visit mandalaarts.com
