It was the first time in 2017 Darbar incorporated dance in its curation. Along with Darbar’s artistic Director Sandeep Virdee, this was curated by artistic director, choreographer and dancer, Akram Khan MBE. In an exclusive interview, Khan highlights the Darbar experience as special because artists share the same rehearsal space in the auditorium during the festival and often “bleed” into each other’s spaces that leads to an exchange of energy, love and compassion and the feeling that “we’re all in this together”.

Prakash enthralling performance takes place at the Sadler’s Wells Theatre. Her gait is nothing short of extraordinary and as she begins her first piece, a hymn invoking the Sun God, she has already danced her way into your hearts. She paints the narrative with astounding synchrony of facial expressions, free-flowing movements and an impeccable footwork. Her second piece encompassing a narrative of the power of “flame” illuminates the mindscape with detailed and succinct demonstration of the evolution of the self with deft poses, footwork, balance and emotions.

Prakash started learning Bharatanatyam from her mother Viji Prakash, a renowned teacher and dance exponent. She began her performing career in India at the age of 8 and has never looked back since. A second generation Indian and American artist, she was born and raised in Los Angeles. In 2006, she moved to India and travels back and forth, learning under the revered Malavika Sarrukai. She has been nominated by Akram Khan MBE “choreographer of the future” for UK-based Dance Umbrella’s “Four by four commissions,” and has premiered her solo work “HERE and NOW” at their 2019 Festival.

Artists:
- Mythili Prakash (Bharatanatyam)
- Aditya Prakash (vocal)
- Sushma Somasekharan (vocal)
- Easwar Ramakrishnan (violin)
- BC Manjunath (mridangam)
- DV Prasannakumar (nattuvangam cymbals)