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Celebrated Indian ensemble comes to the University

The University of Kent is to host a visit by the Milón Méla ensemble on its first ever trip to the UK.

This unforgettable ensemble, which brings together Baul musicians from Bengal (and recording artists for Peter Gabriel's Real World label), masters of Kalaripayattu martial art from Kerala, Chhau dancers from Bihar, Gotipua dancers from Orissa, Muslim Fakir musicians, and Hindu-Muslim Patuas painters and storytellers, will screen a documentary film about their activities and meet the audience at the Aphra Theatre on the University's Canterbury campus at 7.15pm on Wednesday 28 May.

This will be followed by what promises to be a spectacular parade across the campus at 8.30pm, with live acoustic music, acrobatic dances, sword combat and whirling fires combining to make it one of the most memorable performance events the University has seen for some time.

Tickets for the Aphra Theatre cost £5, and the parade is free and open to all.

Dr Giuliano Campo, Research Associate at the University's School of Drama, Film & Visual Arts (SDFVA) and organiser of the Milón Méla event, said: 'Milón Méla events are a unique opportunity to enjoy a stunning mix of live music and visual and physical performance from across India. Milón Méla is one of the most dynamic, colourful and adrenaline-filled ensembles in the world today and this is an opportunity not to be missed.'

Led by director Abani Biswas, founder of The Sources Research Project in India and a former collaborator of the celebrated Polish director Jerzy Grotowski, Milón Méla aims to encourage original and creative work, as well as providing its members, their families and their communities with material resources for their daily lives. The ensemble has its own work centre in West Bengal, where its hosts an annual programme of residential workshops and events. It regularly performs at festivals in Europe, in city squares and streets, open arenas and theatres.

Alongside its performances at the University, Abani Biswas and his ensemble will also conduct a workshop for professional practitioners, students and staff at the SDFVA. This is part of Milón Méla's commitment to training in schools, universities, theatre groups, psychotherapy groups and cultural associations.

The event is funded by the Arts Council England, South East, and is produced by Dr Campo in collaboration with The British Grotowski Project. It is supported by the Arts & Humanities Research Council and Organic Theatre.

Contact: mediaoffice@kent.ac.uk

Story published at 12:23pm 22 May 2008