Photo: Nidhi R (Photography), Vidya Kotamraju (Graphic Design)

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), voice and technology 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.

Vidya Kotamraju

Co-created and Performed 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 a theatre. This is adaptable to outdoors and alternative spaces. Full Length.

How do you define this work: Dance/ Theatre, Multi-Discipline, Digital.

Length of performance:  55 minutes (full length) or 30 minutes (mixed program)

Audience type: General Audience

General Technical Requirements: Simple props (available with artist), 1 projector, Hazer, Dance floor, Audio

Does the work require tech residency: A tech residency of at least 1 day is preferred

Number of Performers on tour (including choreographer): 1

Number of Support Staff on Tour: 1; Technical crew member

Availabilities: 2024 Spring Season (Mar-Jun), 2024/25 season, & 2025/26 season

Vidya Kotamraju is a dance artist based in Vancouver. Trained in Bharata Natyam by Jai Govinda (Canada), Sheila Jagadish Kumar (India) and Bragha Bessell (India), she has performed For Vancouver International Dance Festival, The Dance Centre's Silk Route Festival, Mandala Arts and Culture's The Temptation of Buddha and The Monk and The Courtesan, City of Vancouver's DiwaliFest amongst others. Kotamraju has served on the board of New Works and Mandala Arts and Culture for several years. She is the recipient of the 2017 Shade of Hope "Best Bharata Natyam Clasical Dancer" Award. https://www.vidyadance.com/info

Performance History & Upcoming Performances

Premiere: TBD.

Maktub: Ashes to Alchemy will complete production in January 2024.

Project Details

Community Engagement

Outreach Activity: Audience Participation in Performance

Community: General Audience

Age Groups: 5+ years

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.

Contact information

Vidya Kotamraju, vidya@sloan.mit.edu
Website:
https://www.vidyadance.com