Sacred Earth Stories

Connecting Ancient Earth Mythologies with Current Climate Issues

An Austin Dance India production

Sacred Earth Stories connects mythologies of the earth from different cultures to current global issues of sustainability and climate change. Traditional Bharata Natyam dance of India, spoken word commentary, traditional gestures, rhythm, and live world music merge to create a stunning dancescape linking the past and present.

In many ancient cultures and their mythologies, the earth is personified as a life-giving goddess. Dramatic stories of her capture and subsequent release feature greedy kings, wise creatures. Sacred Earth Stories redefines these tales through current issues of deforestation and pollution. It takes it further and urges a respectful alliance with the earth that can further development and still protect its resources for the next generation.

Inspiring stories of Bhoomi Devi, Mother Earth from Indian mythology; Gaia of Greece, primordial Earth goddess; and Pachamama, the Andean goddess of Fertility and Abundance are woven into the narrative of Sacred Earth Stories, creating a richly layered cultural and artistic experience.

Accompanying this original choreography led by Artistic Director and Austin Arts Hall of Famer, Anuradha Naimpally, is an original music score played by some of the finest musicians in Central Texas including Ashwini Gore-Deshpande on vocals, Amie Macieszewski on sitar, Surabi Veeraraghavan on nattuvangam, Jason MacKenzie on tabla/kanjira/doumbek, and Srivi Balaji on mridangam. This creates a beautiful soundscape for the visually stunning dance by the Austin Dance India ensemble including Anuradha Naimpally, Soumya Ashok, Preya Patel, Sreenidhi Tupuri, and Sanjana Aluru. Spoken word by critically acclaimed actress, Carla Nade Nickerson brings it together making it accessible to all audiences.

This project is supported in part by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department and the Austin Creative Alliance and City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department and the Emma Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center. Community partners are Citizens Climate Lobby and Rainforest Partnership.

The City of Austin is proud to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require assistance for participation in our programs or use of our facilities please call (512) 974-3914.

www.austindanceindia.com

FAQs

Please arrive in plenty of time! We have a fun photo booth climate challenge that audience can participate in as well as displays of climate projects by youth and information on our extraordinary community partners who work for a sustainable planet.

Stay late! Q & A with the director and cast follows the performance for those who would like to learn more about the process of this production.

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

Please email anu@austindanceindia.com or visit our website www.austindanceindia.com

What's the refund policy?

Sorry. There are no refunds, but feel free to pass on your ticket to a friend! We will check the ticket number.

Is my registration fee or ticket transferrable?

Yes, in case you can't make it, give it to a friend or family member!

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?

The MACC is conveniently located close to the Convention Center on bus and train routes. Also there is free event parking in the MACC parking lot. As you enter, just ask the attendant for an event parking pass.