• Duration: 60 mins

Details

Anthology of Touches  

Anthology of Touches is a dance duet exploring memories and lived experience of touching and being touched. Featuring shared stories documenting moments of touch through movement, spoken word and recorded conversations. 

Luke and Effie have been delving into their own history of giving and receiving touch. They have also been holding conversations to find common themes, and different recollections around similar offerings of touch. They have posed the question: ‘is there a memory of touch that you would either re-live, or erase from your life if you could?’ 

Framed by these conversations, Anthology of Touches considers instances of touch which range from scientific to personal to the perhaps more universal.  

The work’s creation has been supported by Pavilion Dance South West, Hull Dance, and Hull City Council. 

 

Don’t Tell Me What Bharatanatyam Is                                     

Ancient…Traditional? Colourful! Hand gestures. Hindu…Devotional. Graceful?  

What words comes to your mind when you think of Indian classical dance?   

I’ve grown up being fed certain ideas about what “Indian classical dance” is – in textbooks, in dance classes, by the Internet, by people. After 25 years of my practice, I no longer feel comfortable sticking to many of these rigid lines – of the body and of the mind. In this work, I delve deeper into what Bharatanatyam has evolved into for me: rooted yet contemporary, local yet global, rigid yet fluid. I explore what it means to be stuck in these in-between spaces of redefining Bharatanatyam for the world we live in today.  

Originally from Kolkata, India, I am an independent dance artist currently based in Oxford. I began dancing…even before I knew what dance was! Twenty-five years ago, I started learning Bharatanatyam – one of the eight Indian “classical dance styles” from my mother and Guru Sujatha Ramalingam, and there has been no looking back.   

Over the years, my creative practice, while still rooted in Bharatanatyam, has become more critical and responsive to the world we live in. While I continue to experiment with the form, structure and rhythmic nuances of the “traditional” repertoire, I strive to create work that resonates with wider audiences and reflects the needs of the present times. This includes investigating social, political, global, shared and personal experiences such as migration, gender, labour, inequality and cultural identity/identities among others. I am keen to push the boundaries of what can be done with and told through this beautiful art form.  

To expand my comfort zone, I have also undertaken training in other dance styles such as Kathak and Indian contemporary dance, Kuchipudi, Natyashastra techniques (Karanas and Chaaris), Bollywood and Bhangra over the last decade. My yoga practice, along with my love for reading, conversations, travelling, and learning new languages also deeply influence my work and ideas.  

“Don’t Tell Me What Bharatanatyam Is” is an experimental performance inspired by my ever-evolving relationship with my art form. It will challenge your perceptions of “Indian classical dance” and take you along an introspective journey of learning and unlearning.  

“A beautiful balance of formal and informal, tradition and innovation, simplicity and theatricality. Kavya clearly had a deep and ongoing connection with the Indian classical tradition, which allowed her to develop new ideas without losing the essential qualities of the style. …. It was a charming and very authoritative whole.”  

Andy Solway, Oxford Dance Writers  

“A mesmerising piece that explored the stories of Khandita nayika (the angry one) and Abhisarika nayika (the bold one) – two of the eight archetypal heroines that form the basis of many Bharatanatyam dances.Characterised by its intricate footwork, graceful movements, and emotive facial expressions, Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest and most widely practiced dance forms in India.    

In her piece, Ramalingam asks why these Bharatanatyam heroines are traditionally defined by their attitudes toward the men in their lives and explores what it might mean if these heroines were defined by their own qualities.Ramalingam is an extraordinarily graceful dancer – rippling across the stage like water.Her expressive facial movements and eye contact held the audience in thrall.”  

Catherine Flutsch, Quaere Living  

Renegade Master 

This dance piece is a vibrant celebration of Queerness intricately woven with a poignant critique on privilege and societal politics. Through our performance, we strive to unify the audience in a shared emotional experience. Our dance transcends mere entertainment, serving as a powerful reflection on the complexities of identity and the challenges faced by marginalized communities. With each movement, we invite viewers to delve deeper into the themes of inclusivity and social justice, sparking meaningful conversations and fostering understanding. The project stands as a testament to the transformative power of art, inspiring us all to embrace diversity and stand against inequality.  

This choreographic duet rises as a powerful scream against the harsh reality we are facing: a reality where we are witnesses and accomplices of the degradation of our planet and the socio-political and climatic imbalance that consumes it. We find ourselves trapped in a destructive cycle of which, ironically, we are a fundamental part.  

 

This show is part of the Offbeat Festival a partnership between the Old Fire Station, Oxford Playhouse, and New Theatre Oxford. It supports emerging talent, encourages local artists, provides a platform for new voices, and gives the public a chance to see bold new performances that take risks and push boundaries.

 

Parking & Access

Parking

There are a number of Blue Badge parking spaces nearby on Beaumont Street, and more on New Inn Hall Street and St Giles.

The closest car park is Gloucester Green Car Park, accessed via Gloucester Street.

If you have any questions or concerns, the City Council’s Access Officer can be reached at 01865 249811.

Getting here

We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint, but we need your help. Use ecoway, our sustainable travel planner, to see the most eco-friendly options for your journey to Old Fire Station, and plan a bespoke and flexible route. ecoway is easy to use and you’ll be kept up to date with any disruption or changes to your journey plan.

Car parks in Oxford Blue Badge information Public transport in Oxford

Access

Disabled patrons are eligible for one free companion ticket with their booking. To book this, contact the ticket office: tickets@oldfirestation.org.uk or 01865 263990.

There are two entrances to the Old Fire Station: 40 George Street via the foyer, and on Gloucester Green via the shop. Both are step-free. If you are coming to a show, we ask that you use the George Street entrance, as the Gloucester Green entrance is not always open.

Events in the Theatre

There is level entry to the foyer of the Old Fire Station, and step-free access to the main Theatre (where most shows take place).

If you are a wheelchair user attending a sit-down show, space will be reserved for you. If you are attending a standing gig, please contact us (call the ticket office on 01865 263990 or e-mail tickets@oldfirestation.org.uk) and we will talk with you about your needs.

Events in the Studio

There is level entry into the foyer of the Old Fire Station, and step-free access to the Studio.

Events in the Loft

There are six steps leading up to the Loft space, with no lift. If you would like to discuss this to find out more, please get in touch.

The Gallery

There is step-free access to the Gallery – level entry through the George Street entrance, and via lift from the Gloucester Green entrance.

Facilities

Accessible toilet
There is an accessible toilet on the ground floor, accessible via platform lift. Other toilets are in the basement (accessible via lift).

Hearing assistance system
The Theatre is equipped with a hearing assistance system. If you have any questions about using it, please e-mail us at tickets@oldfirestation.org.uk or phone 01865 263980.

Assistance dogs
All types of assistance and guide dogs are welcome at the Old Fire Station. It would be great if you could let us know in advance if you will be bringing a working dog to any performances – just e-mail tickets@oldfirestation.org.uk.

Strobe lighting
We will warn visitors on the website and in the foyer of the venue if a performance is going to contain strobe lighting. If lighting affects you, and you have any concerns, please call the ticket office on 01865 263990 or e-mail tickets@oldfirestation.org.uk.

Chairs in the theatre
Our chairs are a standard dining-chair size, measuring 40cm deep by 37cm wide, with a metal frame. Some have arms, and some do not. They are all joined together at the sides, to form rows. If this is likely to pose a problem for you, please email tickets@oldfirestation.org.uk and we can discuss how to make your visit more comfortable.