From traditional legends to well-known ballets, from ancient history to contemporary newspaper headlines – Manohar’s inspirations become points of departure to deconstruct or explore these themes as narrative or abstract dance. Manohar draws upon the diverse vocabularies of Indian classical dance, yoga and dramatic theatre, while preserving the beauty and rigor of Kathak and Bharatanatyam traditions as the foundation of our productions.
Manohar productions are created and designed by the artists of the company; as well, they draw on the guidance of Artistic Director Guru Usha Sharma for artistic execution, and Company Coordinator Dr. Ganga Dakshinamurti for organizational jurisdiction. Dancers affiliated with Manohar come together from across Canada (electronically, and/or physically) to create innovative productions drawing upon the South Asian traditions of Bharatanatyam, Kathak, yoga and dramatic theatre (natya). Using classical Indian dance theatre with originally recorded music and narrative, Manohar’s performances are accessible to all audiences. Dancing with the Manohar collective calls for both a high standard in Indian classical dance and an ability to create beyond the boundaries of the traditional dance recital canon.
“We trust our audiences to be interested in a good story, of any vintage; and our audiences trust us to tell stories that move them.”
Past Productions
Over the past 30 years, Manohar Performing Arts has created 19 original full-length stage productions, performed in Winnipeg and on tour, several restaged by demand. Since 2008, Manohar productions have also incorporated multimedia technologies, dance on film, and live dance interacting with video. All productions wholly created and produced by the artists of the company.
The Eagle & The Lotus
2019
A young woman tries to escape war by hiding in a forest. But her simple act of kindness to free an ensnared eagle opens an unseen world of hope. In a series of mystical parables, the eagle reveals how human beings find our way in this world. Magical realism, combining the storytelling grace of Bharatanatyam and Kathak with the art and skill of acrobatics and aerial dance.
Sunset Moonrise
2016, 2017
When empires crumble, memory is an act of defiance. Two kingdoms on the brink of disaster; two stirring tales from the past, remembered by the songs they once sung. A dance theatre production intercutting stories of love, betrayal, triumph and treason from contrasting episodes in Indian history.
20/20 AfterImages
2013
When you see a flash of something bright, its afterimage is stored on your retina – so you can still see it when you close your eyes. Dance exists for a flashing moment in time; but registers on your eyes (and brain, and heart) for much longer. A “director’s cut” of Manohar’s history; a multimedia retrospective of 20 years in performance, and of dance reflected in the mind’s eye.
Savera
2006, 2012
Following a traditional Kathak invocation and a pure (abstract) dance in a 10-beat cycle, Savera (The Awakening) presents a contemporary take on a classical dance form. This three part instrumental suite creates its own physical language, embodying a spirit of liberation and ingenuity.
Jewels
2008
Myths recounting the treasure, beauty and power of jewels. In Eastern archetype, the Ruby contains the fire of the Sun; the Pearl, the watery romance of the Moon. Unspoiled Emerald is quicksilver Mercury; and Saturn’s devastating, unpredictable luck is trapped inside the Sapphire. Inspired by the 1967 Balanchine ballet classic, and the Indian iconography of gems.
Steps and Echoes
2003
A journey through time, space and memory, carrying echoes of the sound of dancing bells and the voices of those who once wore them. A collection of short stories about the changing role of dance in society, embedding classical and contemporary movement in evocative poetry and dialogue.
