WINNIPEG, MB – The India Association of Manitoba supported by The University of Winnipeg present The Festival of India 2011 with the inaugural event, dance drama Shakunthalam, performed by the Natyalakshana Academy from India on Friday, March 11, 2011 at 7:00 pm, Pantages Theatre, (180 Market Avenue).
This timeless classic on love, separation and reunion based on the ancient Indian story by the great 5th century Sanskrit poet Kalidasa. The Natyalakshana Academy is a 14 member Indian ballet troupe.”
Celebrating Indian Culture
The Festival of India is a series of events that will take place in Winnipeg throughout the year to celebrate Indian culture, including a Bollywood Musical and events for the business community. The Festival ties into the Year of India in Canada, sponsored by the High Commission of Indian in Canada and a bi-governmental initiative between India and Canada designed to offer Canadians an opportunity to know more about India, its diversity, culture, traditions and future.
Building Bridges
“Celebrating Indian art and culture is not only an engaging educational opportunity, for our University community, it also builds bridges of understanding with the Indo-Canadian community that continues to contribute to the fabric of our society in the arts, business and sciences,” said Lloyd Axworthy, UWinnipeg’s President and Vice-Chancellor.
“We could not have found a better partner than University of Winnipeg to showcase The Year of India in Canada,” said Anupam Sharma, President, India Association of Manitoba. “This is an opportunity to enhance relationships and understanding between India and Canada by showcasing the progress and achievements of both India and, the Indo-Canadian community of Manitoba.”
“In my 40 years in Canada, this is the first time that the Government of India has partnered with Canadian institutions to bring Indian arts and culture to Canadians in a significant way under the banner of the festival of India,” said Pawan Singal, Patron, 2011 Festival of India and Director, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences at St. Boniface.
Kalidasa, is considered the greatest of the Indian poets. SHAKUNTHALAM was the first Indian literary work translated in the West by Sir William Jones in 1789. This work played an important role in the renaissance of Indian literature and also influenced European literary traditions, including Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the famous German writer.
Natyalakshana Academy has received lavish praise and rave reviews for their performances in India, the United Kingdom, Germany, France Switzerland, Singapore, Indonesia and Middle Eastern Countries. They have also performed in prestigious Dance Festivals in India.
Opening act by Winnipeg’s own Manohar Performing Arts – premiere of “Shivaratri” dancing through the terrors of night toward dawn.
Tickets are available through TicketWeb(www.ticketweb.ca) and the University of Winnipeg Info Booth.
