This exciting show is a collaboration between the Tribhangi Dance Theatre and Poko Productions and was commissioned to combine the unique power of shadow puppetry with incisive storytelling and create a unique presentation in Gauteng.

“This production is a fusion of two disciplines, Shadow Theatre and Bharatanatyam Dance. It is a Hindu inspired theatre piece celebrating the triumph of good over evil, as told through the Sanscrit epic, The Ramayana,” said the producer Jayesperi Moopen.

This epic forms part of the Diwali festival of the triumph of Light over Darkness. The collaboration, funded by the National Arts Council and the Arts and Culture Trust, will incorporate elements of various disciplines to tell an enthralling story through dance, shadow theatre, puppetry and traditional storytelling.

Live interaction will be created between the shadows and the dancers promising a unique and uplifting experience. “This production is important as we are reviving an ancient art form of storytelling by presenting it to audiences in an innovative way, that is far more accessible to modern audiences” Moopen said.

Into the Light also aims to create cultural awareness among theatre-goers of all backgrounds about a cultural event that has taken on a national identity; namely Diwali. Through the vivid entertainment on offer the show will enlighten audiences about South Africa’s rich cultural heritage, including the Diwali celebrations and traditional Sanskrit Epics.

Performance details are as follows:
UJ Arts Centre
Thursday, 23 August at 19:30
Saturday, 25 August at 14:30 and 19:30
Sunday, 26 August at 14:30

Tickets will be available for purchase through Computicket. For more information please visit www.pokoproductions.co.za or www.tribhangi.co.za.