The sixth edition of Abhivyakti – The City Arts Project, an initiative by the UNM Foundation of the Mehta Family’s Torrent Group, brought an evening of rich cultural expression on Wednesday. Artists from Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Rajasthan captivated audiences with performances spanning traditional Indian classical dance, contemporary street dance, theatre, music, and visual arts.
Held at ATIRA and Gujarat University in Ahmedabad, the event was a vibrant celebration of artistic diversity. Highlights included stunning Kathak and Bharatnatyam performances, alongside a high-energy hip-hop act that added a modern twist to the cultural showcase.
Asmita Amol Thakur from Pune presented Vi-Ka-Vi-Bu: Vinash Kaale Viparita Buddhi, a Kathak dance drama exploring the Hasya Rasa through the comic misadventures of a young boy across different epochs. The narrative weaves through the Satyayuga, Tretayuga, Dvapara Yuga, and Kaliyuga, culminating in Buddha’s teachings about the importance of wisdom during times of turmoil.
From Kolkata, Bharatnatyam performer Debjani Chatterjee brought Vastra: Necessity, Dignity, Identity, a powerful piece highlighting the struggles of the Nadar women during the Channar revolt, who fought for their right to cover their bodies. Her performance paid tribute to the changemakers who challenged societal norms to secure gender equality and human dignity.
Jaipur’s Sarthak Dubey electrified the audience with Busknation, a hip-hop street performance exploring the struggles and triumphs of street dancers. Featuring styles like Locking, Popping, Whacking, and Freestyle, the act broke the fourth wall by inviting audience interaction, capturing the raw essence of street culture.
Visual art installations also played a significant role in the event:
- Kruti Mehta’s “Elements” explored landscapes as emotional expressions through printmaking, focusing on the interplay of hues and textures.
- Martin Sailor’s “Impact” delved into environmental themes, using recycled materials to address issues like water pollution and overfishing.
- Sangam Vankhade’s “Ahmedabad Heritage” invited audiences to engage with the city’s rich architectural legacy through tactile paver blocks embedded with fragments of historical structures.
Performance Schedule for 5th December 2024:
| Venue | Artists | Theme | Art Form | Time |
| Amphitheatre – GU Campus | Debapriya Das | Parikrama-A Journey Within | Dance – Belly Dancing | 07:15 pm |
| Auditorium – GU Campus | Dhruti Joshi | Ability-The Journey of Equality | Dance – Western Base Fusion | 07:15 pm |
| Manch – GU Campus | Mousam & Malka Mehta | Hori ke Rasia | Music – Traditional Folk | 07:15 pm |
| ATIRA | Munaf Luhar | Ishq Ke Saat Maqam | Music – Indie/Contemporary | 07:15 pm |
| Platform GU | Kiran Panchal | Marzi Mushayra | Theatre – Humour and Musical Play | 08:30 pm |
| Platform ATIRA | Dhara Vanera | The Story of Sun and Moon | Dance – Kathak | 08:30 pm |
| Amphitheatre – GU Campus | Jaymin Vaidhya | Mehfil-e-Sama | Music – Qawwalli | 09:30 pm |
| Auditorium – GU Campus | Rahul Kanthariya | Charan Kanya | Theatre – Experimental Puppet | 09:30 pm |
| Manch – GU Campus | Dipak & Bhoomiti Prajapati | Panchtatva-Symphony of the Senses | Dance – Neo Classical Ballet & Contemporary | 09:30 pm |
| ATIRA | Deval Vora & Asif Ajmeri | Jogidas Khuman – Ek Shant Baharvatiyo | Theatre – Period Drama | 09:30 pm |
The week-long festival also featured theatrical and musical acts, adding to the dynamic cultural celebration. Audiences lauded the dedication and skill of the artists, whose performances showcased a seamless blend of traditional richness and contemporary creativity.
Also Read: Indian Entrepreneur Credits Apple Watch for Lifesaving Response After US Highway Car Crash
