Festival pays homage to male classical dancers

THE PURUSHAM festival – which celebrates the cosmic male – is set to take place at the Thekwini College on Sunday at 5pm.

The event, launched last year by Manesh Maharaj, is a platform to celebrate male classical dancers in South Africa.

Thriving male dancers, namely Rishalan Govender, Rory Booth, Priyen Naidoo, Pavishen Paideya, Vishkir Dayanand, pictured, and Taresh Harreeparshad, will display the vibrancy of Kathak and Bharatha Natyam.

Maharaj says aspiring classical male dancers lack support on many levels.

“Through Purusham, we endeavour to provide a support structure to male dancers,” he says.

“The cast has grown to seven this year. These feature solo and collaborated dance performances in the true classical tradition of Bharatha Natyam and Kathak

“This year, the Purusham stage is very excited to present a solo Kuchipudi item by a local young artist,” he added.

All performances are pure classical items, staying true to the age-old tradition of Brahmin priests, who used the power of classical dance to impart the beauty of Hindu scripture.”

Tickets for this homage to classical Indian dance are available at the door.