Experience the Arts

Packed into the interval between Dusshera and Diwali is an equally colourful festival of the arts.

Packed into the interval between Dusshera and Diwali is an equally colourful festival of the arts. The IIC Experience,organised by India International Centre (IIC),turns 10 this year,a milestone it is celebrating,a bit modestly,by increasing the duration by a day,from today till October 24,with performers from South Korea,Indonesia,the Philippines,Kazakhstan and Brazil,sharing the platform with Indian artistes.

Setting the rhythm this evening will be solo performer Shekhar Sen,who plays Soordas in a play named after the 15th century poet. Ideas in Line,an exhibition by Dinkar Kowshik and Ganesh Pyne,who represent two generations of artists of the Bengal school,will also be inaugurated this evening. For those who missed the Bengali fare during Durga Puja,IIC Experience celebrates Banglar Ranna,featuring delectables such as Mochar Chop (banana flower cutlets) and Chingri Malai Curry (prawns in coconut milk).

This is my first time at IIC Experience,so I am going to play it by the ear,though one of my favourite pieces,God Bless the Child,is almost certain to be a part of the show, says Sonia Saigal,a contemporary jazz vocalist who will perform on Friday. Therell be Western classical and traditional Korean music the next day,and a Hindustani vocal performance by Ustad Iftikhar Khan of the Rampur Sahaswan Gharana on October 20. On the same day,in a kuchipudi performance,Jaikishore Mosalikanti pays tribute to his guru and the people who have influenced him. The piece draws upon literature,music and dance, he says.

A festival comprising the works of 24 women filmmakers runs throughout the event. On the roster are The Reluctant Fundamentalist,about the impact of 9/11 on one man,and Little Vilma,Hungarian filmmaker Marta Meszaross account of the death of her father who was killed in a Stalinist purge.

How can a celebration of senses not include food? While the cultural programmes are free,the food festival is priced between Rs 400 and Rs 750,with a different cuisine each day. Food from Delhi streets,Andhra Pradesh and Brazil are among the culinary options.

IIC Experience will be held at India International Centre till October 24. Contact: 24609322

Dipanita Nath

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