The sixth edition of Abhivyakti – The City Arts Project, an initiative of the UNM Foundation of the Mehta Family’s Torrent Group, continues to mesmerise audiences on Day 6 with its vibrant and diverse cultural offerings. The event, which has already drawn overwhelming crowds over the weekend, witnessed a spectacular lineup of performances on Tuesday.
The evening began with a soulful Qawwali performance that set a spiritual and uplifting tone. Jaymin Vaidhya’s “Mehfil-e-Sama” blended Sufi music’s rhythmic improvisations with modern elements. Classic Qawwali compositions such as “Mai Nizam Se Naina Lagan Aayi Re,” “Chap Tilak Sab Chheeni Re,” and “Dosto Ki Shiqayat Nahi Hai” paid homage to Sufi stalwarts Amir Khusro and Nizamuddin Auliya, creating an unforgettable musical experience for the audience.
Adding a contemporary edge, Ahmedabad-based Shree Laxmi presented a waacking street dance production titled “I Am a Disco Dancer”. The performance explored the theme of self-expression and liberation, tracing the evolution of waacking from Los Angeles to global stages. It offered a modern twist, celebrating the joy of dance as a release from the demands of daily life.
Storyteller and puppeteer Karthik from Chennai brought “The Wolf Man” to life, using shadow puppetry to explore ecological balance. Performed entirely behind a screen, the play immersed audiences in a captivating shadow world, encouraging reflection on humanity’s connection with nature.
Classical vocalist Aman Raithatha from Pune presented “Megh Shyam,” a transcendental musical piece inspired by the Vaishnava sect’s poets. Drawing from Haveli Sangeet and the works of Pandit Jasraj, the ensemble of 14 artists delivered a blend of spirituality and education, contemporising the traditional form for modern audiences.
In a unique performance, Bharatnatyam dancer Dhara Rughani offered “Dhaag Samvad,” a dance inspired by the embroidery art of Kutchi Rabari women from Gujarat. The performance blended folk music with intricate choreography, narrating a poignant story of a mother and daughter and reinterpreting embroidery as a symbol of liberation rather than bondage.
Tarak Patel’s Afro-dance performance “Urban Drums” celebrated African cultural heritage with powerful movements and rhythmic beats. Using bamboo drumsticks as props, the performance highlighted the inclusivity and infectious joy of dance, inviting the audience to groove along.
The visual arts installations at the event also captivated attendees. Manonita Karar’s “About Looking” encouraged introspection, exploring the fluidity of thoughts and beliefs.
Yash Gajjar’s “Construction Dynamics” transformed raw construction materials into a canvas for artistic expression, blending the familiar and the surreal.
Chetan Kurekar’s installation “Fragments of a Lost Home” depicted miniature sculptures of ruined houses, evoking the human cost of industrialisation and environmental degradation. The piece served as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between progress and cultural preservation.
Performance Schedule for 27th November 2024:
| Venue | Artists | Theme | Art Form | Time |
| Amphitheatre – GU Campus | Rajoo Barot | Rang Bhoomi Na Sadabahar Geeto | Music – Traditional Folk | 07:15 pm |
| Auditorium – GU Campus | Ivan Khan | The Carnival of Death | Theatre – Dark Comedy and Absurd | 07:15 pm |
| Manch – GU Campus | Dipak & Bhoomiti Prajapati | Panchtatva- Symphony of the Senses | Dance – Neo Classical Ballet & Contemporary | 07:15 pm |
| ATIRA | Munaf Luhar | Ishq Ke Saat Maqam | Music – Indie/Contemporary | 07:15 pm |
| Platform GU | Ragi Khambhalvi | Char Bait Gujarati | Music – Folk | 08:30 pm |
| Platform ATIRA | Mansi Modi | Funambulism | Dance – Street Art Form | 08:30 pm |
| Amphitheatre – GU Campus | Priyank Upadhyay | Shunyavatar | Theatre- Spiritual Experimental | 09:30 pm |
| Auditorium – GU Campus | Bhagwat Prajapati | Dway- (A Journey of Eti-Neti) | Dance – Indian classical & Contemporary | 09:30 pm |
| Manch – GU Campus | Rucha Anjaria | Anubhuti | Music – Classical fusion | 09:30 pm |
| ATIRA | Ananya Vaidya | Vahi Kahani, Phir | Theatre – Experimenal & Modern Folk | 09:30 pm |
As Abhivyakti continues to celebrate artistic expression, it reinforces its commitment to showcasing a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, captivating audiences with each performance and installation.
