Art-tention please!

Dec 03, 2010 - Nivi Shrivastava (The Asian Age)

There is a reason why Delhi is also considered the capital of art and culture. No matter what the season is, the capital never fails to cater to admirers of music, art and entertainment. This month kickstarts with a unique festival featuring several artistes, writers, musicians and performers who will showcase their talent in the multi-art festival — Delhi International Arts Festival 2010. The festival begins today and will feature varied programmes at various venues till December 12.
The director of the festival Prathibha Prahlad, talking about the things that are in store for the viewers, says, “The festival is aimed to popularise various art forms among common people. We’ll have both Indian and international participants who’ll be performing at the festival. The performance will be free of cost and anyone can come and watch it. The DIAF 2010 also aims to put Delhi in the spotlight for its tradition and cultural richness. It has got a great response in the last three years so we are expecting a good turnout this year too.”
The festival promises to have something for everyone. From visual art to various genres of performing arts, the audience can take a pick. “We have invited many international artistes like Alvin Sputnik’s Adventures from Australia, Tales of the Body from Spain, a Butoh performance, Edgelogue — a festival of e-creativity, dance group from Korea. Musical collaborations, classical dance shows, vocal recitals, choreographed shows, Sufi sangeet and Bhakti sangeet are some highlights. Rock music lovers can enjoy gigs by various bands.”
Classical dancer Swapnasundari feels this is a unique way to amalgamate various arts under a common head. She says, “I am doing the inaugural segment and will perform the Vilasini Natyam, a classical temple dance of Andhra Pradesh.”
Santoor player and music composer Bhajan Sopori thinks bringing so many artistes together is a “great” idea. “When it comes to popularising good music, dance or any form of art, more is always merrier,” he concludes.

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