Photo: Stephanie Cragg
Maktub: Ashes To Alchemy
“It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.” - Paulo Coelho
Inspired by Paulo Coelho's novel, "The Alchemist", Maktub is a lush and deeply evocative dance performance and an eternal statement to the transforming power of living in the singular pursuit of one's individual dreams.
Choreographer Vidya Kotamraju blends dance, global music, NAVTAR® (a unique musical instrument), sets, projections to present the gripping tale of the inner human journey juxtaposed against the backdrop of the current refugee crisis. Uplifting and reflective, the performance experiments with multi-medium storytelling to depict the protagonist's journey in discovering one's purpose in life. In current times of turbulence, Maktub aims to bring hope and healing, through the universal language of dance.
Photo: Stephanie Cragg
Project Created by: Vidya Kotamraju
Key Artistic Collaborators:
Music Composition, Direction, NAVTAR® and Voice: Vishnu R.
Residency Mentor: Bijayini Satpathy
Outside Eye: Nova Bhattacharya
Trailer Videography: Jo Hirabayashi
Performance type: This work is built for theatre and is adaptable
How do you define this work: Dance/Theatre
Length of performance: 55 minutes
Audience type: General Audience
General Technical Requirements: Simple props (available with artist), 1 projector, Hazer, Dance floor, Audio
Required amount of time for tech set up: A tech residency of at least 1 day is preferred.
Number of Performers on tour (including choreographer): 1; Performer
Number of Support Staff on Tour: 1; Technical crew member
Availabilities: 2025 Spring Season (Mar-Jun), 2025/26 Season, 2026/27 Season
Vidya Kotamraju
Vidya Kotamraju is a Vancouver-based dance artist, choreographer, and art educator. Her performance history includes productions such as "The Temptation of Buddha" and "The Monk and The Courtesan" by Mandala Arts and Culture, as well as North Shore Women's Centre's "Crimson Cabaret," the Dance Centre's "Silk Route Festival," and festivals including "Wish 150 A Long Way Home Exhibit," "Namaste Canada," PNE's "Spirit of India", "Diwali in BC (Shyama)", the International Indian Cultural Festival and the Vancouver Cultural Olympiad. More recently, she has performed at DiwaliFest, the Vancouver International Dance Festival ("Longing..."), and Echo Her Series ("Maktub: Ashes to Alchemy"). Vidya has been trained in Bharata Natyam by Jai Govinda, Bragha Bessell and Sheila Jagadish Kumar and is the recipient of the 2017 Shade Of Hope award. Off stage, Vidya has previously served on Boards of New Works and Mandala Arts and Culture for several years and works in the tech industry.
Performance History & Upcoming Performances
Premiere: March 2024, Key City Theatre, Cranbrook, BC, Canada
Performance: June 2024, Thousand Faces Festival, Edmonton, Canada
Project Details
Community Engagement
Yes, I will offer An Exploration of Bharata Natyam workshop.
Community To Engage With:
We aim to engage with diverse communities, including dance enthusiasts, cultural aficionados, individuals interested in Indian classical arts, and those who appreciate the philosophical aspects of traditional dance forms. The workshop will benefit both local community members and cultural centers that support Indian art forms.
Age Group:
The workshop is open to all age groups, ages 12+ to seniors.
Outreach Activies
Audience Participation in Performance
As an integral component of the performance, we invite members of the audience to actively participate in conveying their thoughts and emotions about the "Refugee Crisis." This engagement seeks to create a collective sense of empathy and awareness among diverse individuals.
Concept:
During the performance, an opportunity will be extended to willing members of the audience to contribute their thoughts through a symbolic gesture. These participants will be requested to write a single word on a postcard that encapsulates their feelings, concerns, or hopes related to the current refugee crisis. A gentle reminder will emphasize the importance of selecting words that are appropriate, respectful, and aligned with the purpose and sensitivity of the production.
On-Stage Placement: The string of postcards will be thoughtfully placed on a dedicated wall prop on the stage, within view of the audience. This arrangement will symbolize the interconnectedness of individuals' perspectives on the refugee crisis.
By involving the audience in this manner, the performance will foster a sense of shared responsibility and connection.