The Sai Art Group
The Sai Art Group is situated at Konnur in Naragund Taluk, Gadag district in Karnataka, a state famous for its historical and cultural legacy. Driven by the dedication of its members, the group organizes programmes on art, culture, dance, music and dramatic performances.
A special feature of this group is that it aims to facilitate communal harmony between Hindus and Muslims in the northern part of the state by putting up step-dance performances that are based on folk songs and music of Moharram. Through its various activities and performances, the Sai Art Group has played an important role in promoting peace, unity and
socio-religious harmony amongst people. It aims to use the medium of theatre to expose social problems, and in this way to remain true to the values and experiences of the theatre movement on the whole.
Items performed
Gurji…Gurji - This folk dance is performed when there is no rainfall during the monsoon season. The
children of a backward community carry a metal plate with a decorated figure made of cow dung on their heads. The women of all the houses they visit are supposed to put water into this. The villagers believe that if this is ritual is continued the rains are sure to arrive.
Deep Nritya - This is a dance form in which the dancers perform with lit lamps balanced on their heads.
This folk and traditional dance is performed while worshiping a local god called Mailar Deva.In it, men and women wear black woolen coats, carry a chamara in their right hand, and dance in a devoted manner in front of the Mailar Temple accompanied by philosophical songs.
Mailarlingana Kunita - This is one of the most popular dances amongst the rural youth of Karnataka. In this dance systematic steps are set to folk music and songs that have a fixed rhythm. The form is a wonderful combination of melody, energy and physical coordination.
Stick Play Dance - This is one of the versions of a variety of folk songs and folk dances that can be found in Karnataka and are linked to the time of harvest.
Thorn Step Dance - This dance is performed in and around squares make with bamboos embedded with cactus.
Performers in a rhythm with utmost care step in and out through these squares. The synchronization of folk song, music and dance form creates a awe among the audience.
Umbrella Dance - In this dance each performer hold a specially decorated umbrella and like the form of umbrella they do dance in circle with rhythm and music.
Artists:
Sujata H. Sunkad, Salma A. Nadaf, Davalabi Rajesab Mulimani, Pushpa B.
Siriyappagoudar, Rekha H. Kallur, Sumangala S. Annigeri, Rupa R. Badnoor, Rajeshwari S. Jadramkunti, Lalsab R. Mulimani, K.B. Hosamani, M.M. Arabanad, Ramjan Surkod, Renuka B.Hadagali, Hema K. Pattar, Chandrakala Y. Annaigeri, Manjula R. Birnoor, Shilpa I. Angadi, Savita R. Somannavar, Naganagouda V. Bedgoudra, Shahjahan H. Mudakavim
(Team Leader)
Contact:
Sai Art Group : P.O. Konnur Talvir - Nargund, (Karnataka) Shahjahan, H. Mudakavi 9448789295
* Programme subject to change
Venue: NSD Premises Bahawalpur House, Bhagwandas Road, ND-1
Enquiry: 011-23389054 (23389402, 23382821 Ext. 37)
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