An exploration of experimental art unfolds in “Metamorphosis,” a contemporary duet dance presentation set to captivate audiences this upcoming weekend in our city. This distinctive performance is the creative brainchild of Papia Chakraborty, a dedicated independent contemporary dancer from Kolkata, who has seized the attention of the dance community with her innovative movement vocabulary.
Papia Chakraborty’s artistic journey began with 15 years of rigorous training in the classical dance form of Kathak, studying under the tutelage of Mitul Sengupta and later Rajendra Gangani. Yet, bound by the traditions and defined gestures of Kathak, Papia yearned for an artistic space where movement was unfettered. This quest for freedom led her to embrace contemporary dance, where she discovered a canvas vast enough to host her experimental choreographies.
In a striking move to push the envelope further, Papia has joined forces with Surendra Tekale, an artist from Bengaluru who specializes in theatre and modern dance. The collaboration fuses the talents of both individuals, calling upon their disparate backgrounds to shape a dance that speaks to the soul. “Our body of work is different, yet we have blended our thoughts and perspectives to create Metamorphosis,” Papia articulates, reflecting on the inception of their current project.
Within the concrete confines of her studio in Kolkata, Papia has been meticulously planning this first full-length collaborative work in Bengaluru. Despite her long list of prior performances in the city, Metamorphosis stands out as a premiere presentation, marking a significant milestone in her artistic career. With a diploma in Movement Art and a certified course in choreographic approach under her belt, Papia draws upon a wealth of knowledge and experience for her creations.
Papia’s choreographic compositions are not mere aesthetic pursuits; they are narratives woven from the fabric of her ever-evolving world. The stimuli of her work range from the nuanced observations of human behavior to the dynamic influences of martial arts and sports. However, it’s not just movement that captivates her imagination but the societal implications and poignant issues that these movements invoke—such as the complexities surrounding gender identity, the raw intensity of human emotions, and the pressing concerns of the climate change crisis.
“Metamorphosis” contemplates the profound enigma of change—what it signifies when one undergoes a transformation of form and essence. “It is about the transition from one form to another,” Papia explains, invoking the metaphor of a caterpillar’s profound metamorphosis into a butterfly. The presentation probes deep questions of identity and self: is our uniqueness rooted in emotions, beliefs, and hormonal instincts, or is it shaped by the social standards that enfold us?
The performance relinquishes words for movement, letting the body communicate complexities where words may fall short. Patterns emerge, evolve, and dissolve, mirroring society’s formulaic expectations which often govern our actions without question. Yet, Metamorphosis also acknowledges the stirring of change, the moments when individuals confront the monotony of lived patterns, seeking purpose within the unknown.
The anticipation for this awe-inspiring presentation mounts as “Metamorphosis” readies to take the stage at Shoonya this January 28, at 6.30 pm. Those wishing to witness the extraordinary interplay of movement and meaning can procure tickets on Insider and Shoonya’s homepage. As the dancers set the stage to translate their artistic vision into reality, it is clear that for Papia Chakraborty and Surendra Tekale, the dance of metamorphosis is more than a performance—it’s the embodiment of an evolutionary art form.
