ST. PAUL, Minn. (Aug. 11, 2016) – The O’Shaughnessy welcomes back Ananya Dance Theatre, the acclaimed Minneapolis-based contemporary Indian American dance company as they premiere their newest work on the theme of “Work Women Do.” Horidraa: Golden Healing will be on stage 7:30 p.m. Friday–Saturday, Sept. 16-17, 2016
Horidraa: Golden Healing explores how women in global communities of color activate hope and healing to sustain communities around the world. Inspired by indigenous practices across different communities led by women, this original work of dance theater connects movement and text with spiritual practices that balance breath and energy cycles, cultural modes of interactive listening and offering support, and recipes with spices that heal from within.
The dominant metaphor for Horidraa: Golden Healing is turmeric, the golden yellow root that has been part of the South and East Asian cuisine and medical systems for centuries. In India, women commonly grind turmeric to prepare meals. The natural dye from the root stains the hands a golden yellow. Similarly, the work of women, whose daily practices invigorate health and healing in subtle but substantial ways, touches and colors our lives beautifully.
This evening-length work features the exquisite dancers of Ananya Dance Theatre, choreography by Ananya Chatterjea (named Best Choreographer by the Star Tribune in its 2016 Best of Minnesota), directorial collaboration by Marcus Young, original sound and music by Greg Schutte, Queen Drea, Pooja Goswami and Tenzin Ngawang, set design by Alison Hiltner, costume design by Annie Cady and lighting design by Kevin A. Jones.
Tickets for Horidraa: Golden Healing are $19-$29. There are discounts for groups, students, seniors, MPR and TPT members, and military. For more information and tickets, contact The O’Shaughnessy Ticket Office at 651-690-6700; summer business hours (through Sept. 6) are Mon.-Fri. 12-4pm; ticket office is located on the main campus of St. Catherine University at 2004 Randolph Ave., St. Paul. Tickets can be purchased online at oshag.stkate.edu.
Horidraa: Golden Healing is supported by the Seward Co-op Community Fund, Asian Pacific Endowment, a National Endowment for the Arts Challenge America grant, the Imagine Fund, and the Institute for Advanced Studies. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board and Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Celebrating 12 years of linking dance and social action, Ananya Dance Theatre is a contemporary Indian American dance company composed of artists of color who create performances about the extraordinary work and dreams of women around the world. ADT creates and presents people-powered dances of transformation™ at the intersection of artistic excellence and social justice. ananyadancetheatre.
Located on the scenic main campus of St. Catherine University, The O’Shaughnessy is one of the Twin Cities’ premiere venues for showcasing the arts. Since opening in 1970, The O’Shaughnessy has presented a dazzling array of both local and national performing arts companies, including the Minnesota Orchestra, The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, James Sewell Ballet, TU Dance, The Indigo Girls, Joan Baez and countless others. In addition, the venue hosts public events, student and community performances and features multicultural programming with an emphasis on dance, music and theater. Known for its dedication to artistic development and collaboration, the venue has premiered over 400 new works by local and national artists. The O’Shaughnessy is the home of the Women of Substance series, which showcases the artistry and innovative work of women, both prominent and emerging in their fields, whose voices need to be heard. oshag.stkate.edu
