Abhinaya Dance Company Presents 'Jwala-The Immortal Flame' on Nov. 19 November 19, 2011

The Abhinaya Dance Company of San Jose will explore the multiple roles of fire in its fall concert, "Jwala-The Immortal Flame". Taking place at 6 p.m. on November 19, 2011 at the McAfee Theater in Saratoga, the concert will celebrate the role of fire in Hindu mythology, where it is viewed as a purifier and means to salvation, as well as the consequences of the human desire to control and manipulate fire. Appropriate lyrics will be selected, or new ones created with the help of Bay Area scholars. The concept and choreography will be developed by Artistic Director Mythili Kumar along with Principal Dancer and Choreographer Rasika Kumar and assisted by Malavika Kumar. With the help of award winning composer Asha Ramesh, the music will be developed specially for this theme. For more information, go to abhinaya.org.

Fire plays a central role in Hindu mythology and literature. Personified as the god Agni, fire has a relationship to the human soul. Revered, it can be both a purifier and source of life, and power over it can give complete freedom and mastery over life. The desire to control fire can also lead to danger and destruction, making fire both a friend and foe to humans. Jwala-The Immortal Flame explores the duality of this powerful element through dance and live music played by Mythili Kumar & Malavika Kumar (nattuvangam with cymbals), Asha Ramesh (vocals), Shanthi Narayan (violin), N. Narayan (mridangam and kanjira), and Ravi Gutala (tabla).

Abhinaya's programs are supported, in part, by a Cultural Affairs grant from the City of San Jose; the William & Flora Hewlett Foundation; an Arts Education grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, a CPV grant from the California Arts Council; Arts Council Silicon Valley-ACSV (in partnership with the County of Santa Clara and the California Arts Council); an Applied Materials Excellence in the Arts grant through ACSV; and individual donations and matching corporate donations.

Official Website: http://www.abhinaya.org