An exhibition that traces the evolution of Bharatanatyam dance costumes over four decades based on the collection of Geeta Chandran, well-known Bharatanatyam exponent  
Curated by Sandhya Raman, designer

Preview on Tuesday, 9 June 2015 at 18:30
 
The visual journey begins with the early traditional costumes in various styles – pyjama costume, cycle-cut costume and skirt costume; the process of dance-costume designing; drawings and sketches; fabric samples and colour stories, etc. Costumes photographed in action by Rakesh Sahai; and a display of hair jewels and dance jewellery
As part of the exhibition, there will be brief demonstrations in the Art Gallery at 18:30 by students of Natya Vriksha on 12 and 13 June 2015 and 19 and 20 June 2015

Speaker: Professor V. Suryanarayan, Nelson Mandela Chair for Afro-Asian Studies, Department of International Relations, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam (Kerala)

On and Off  the Records (52 min; 2014; dvd; English)
Director: Pratik Biswas
 
The history of 20^th century Hindustani classical music and the travelogue of recording in India are inseparable. How does this constant and continuous interplay affect the aesthetics of one of the oldest musical traditions of the world? What is the impact of this influence on the overall musical experience of both the musician and the audience? 

Ocean of Melody – I & II
(52 min; 2014; dvd; English & with subtitles)
Director: Laili Dutta
 
Ocean of Melody is a two-part documentary that delves into key aspects that construct the framework of Indian classical music vis a vis its two forms – Hindustani and Carnatic. The film explores the fluidity that these forms of music allow within a well-defined structure – one that is derived intrinsically from constant improvisations by the performer

Knocking on Heaven’s Door (52 min; 2011; dvd; English & with subtitles)
Director: Sanjay Barnela & Samreen Farooqui
 
Spanning across multiple musical genres, Tripti, Shehnaz, Afflatus and Jivi Ben bare their hearts, sing and speak their truths about their aspirations and struggles in a documentary that seamlessly weaves personal stories with the soul of blues, pop, rock and devotional folk music

Two Films by Vasudha Joshi
To Catch the Wind (30 min; 2008; dvd; English)
As a musician has pointed out, “people have always travelled, and so has music.” It is not strange therefore to encounter the notes of American blues music across the folk traditions of India from Phulbani, Jharkhand, Assam or Kerala. The film seeks to explore these connections and hints at the deep-rooted links between musical traditions which have thrived on opposite ends of the globe
 
Songlines (45 min; 2010; dvd; English)
An exploration of blues notes in folk music across India

Don Quixote (85 min; dvd)
Ballet by Mikhail Baryshnikov
With Cynthia Harvey, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Richard Schafer, Brian Adams
Choreography: Mikhail Baryshnikov
Music: Ludwig Minkus
Conductor: Paul Connelly
 
Baryshnikov’s sparkling full-length production of Don Quixote captures all the excitement, Spanish colour and humour of Cervantes’ original masterpiece. It is one of the most popular and joyful ballets surviving from the Imperial Russian ballet’s repertory

La Fille du Regiment (The Daughter of the Regiment)
(121 min; dvd; English subtitles)
Gaetano Donizetti’s comic opera in two acts follows Marie, a feisty young girl raised by a regiment of French soldiers high in the Alps during World War II
 
With Juan Diego Flórez, Patricia Ciofi
Orchestra and Coro del Teatro Carlo Felice di Genova
Conductor: Riccardo Frizza

Die Kamiliendame (Lady of the Camellias)
(123 min; dvd; 1987)
Ballet by John Neumeier
Music: Frédéric Chopin
 
With Marsha Haydéé, Ivan Liška, François Klaus, Colleen Scott
Hamburg Ballet, NDR Sinfonie Orchester
Conductor: Heribert Beissel
 
Based on Alexander Dumas’ 19^th century French novel, Lady of the Camellias follows the tragic affair of Marguerite, one of Paris’ most sought-after courtesans, and Armand, a young gentleman from the country

Thaïs (138 min; dvd; English subtitles)
Jules Massenet’s opera about the most beautiful courtesan in Alexandria, Thaïs who holds an entire city in her thrall
 
With Renée Fleming, Thomas Hampson, Michael Schade
The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Chorus and Ballet
Conductor: Jesús López-Cobos