The Music and Dances of WATER

WATER is set in the tribal belt of West Bengal around Purulia. We found a group of talented musicians right there in Purulia who were happy to compose and record some music for the play. Thanks Duryodhon Karmakar, Bimal Kumar, Arun Mukherjee, Animesh Das and Sumit Roy for the evocative and haunting Jol Bhoro. You can listen to a clip of the song in the video above.

Dance Director Sanjib Bhattacharya took his inspiration for the dances of WATER, from the tribal dances in the area. In his words:

Mahasweta Devi’s WATER focuses on the struggles of marginalized people to get access to water – a basic need. I was inspired by her effort to bring this story to the world, and by the people who despite all their troubles can sing and dance and find joy. That is the mood I am trying to create with the dances.

Of the five elements in the universe, Water is my favorite one!! It has the fluidity of color, turbidity, taste and odor. I invite you to come, enjoy and “wade in the water”.

Sanjib’s bio is on the show page.

WATER opens on October 14. Tickets are on sale.

Video by Rita Bhatia