Padma Menon Dance Theatre (1993 - 1998)

Serras, George: Padma Menon Dance Theatre in 'Relations', 1995

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Padma Menon Dance Theatre was established initially as Kailash Dance Theatre in Canberra in 1993. Under the direction of Padma Menon the company sought to find new expressions of cultural diversity. Menon was the company's chief choreographer and she created a range of new works for her dancers, which drew on traditional Indian dance styles but which also looked to contemporary European movement styles and theatrical traditions for inspiration.

The first work made expressly for the company was Chandalika, which premiered in 1994. This was followed by the first production of Relations in 1995. Relations was reworked for later performances in both Canberra and Sydney. Ramayana: A Mother Speaks was made for the National Festival of Australian Theatre in Canberra in 1995. A solo work for Menon, In Praise, and Agni followed in 1996, with Sangam, The Woman is for Burning and Laya: Women who Dare in 1997. The company also staged seasons of works created earlier by Menon including Parijatham first performed in 1992. The company disbanded in 1998.

Bibliography:

Information on Padma Menon Dance Theatre, as Kailash Dance Company, up till 1994 including repertoire can be found in The Ausdance Guide to Australian Dance Companies, 1994 (Canberra: AGPS, 1994), pp. 125-131.

See also: Indian Dance in Australia ; Menon, Padma

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Find more about Padma Menon Dance Theatre in:

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• Articles - New York Public Library Dance Collection
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