Let all the glitter of emeralds,
Pearls, rubies and diamonds
Disappear like a fading rainbow.
But let this one solitary tear pearl
Remain
Glistening
On the cheek of time:
This white splendid Taj Mahal
- extract from Rabindranath Tagore’s poem “Shah Jahan”
Relive the glorious days of the Mughal empire in a beautiful evening that will recreate the atmosphere of a Mughal court through poetry, narrative, music and dance.
Readings of Nobel Prize winner Rabindranath Tagore’s poem “Shah Jahan” will be accompanied by the flamboyant dancing of renowned Kathak dancers Vidha and Abhimanyu Lal from India. The event is co-organised with the Tagore society.
About Kathak
Kathak is one of the eight classical dances of India. It is a narrative dance form characterised by fast footwork and dramatic spins. It has been influenced by kathakas –ancient nomadic story-tellers of North India, temple dances and the bhakti movement. However, it was only during Mughal rule that Kathak began to acquire its current form. It encountered other forms of dance and music, especially from Persia. Dancers were enticed from the temples to the courts by gifts of gold, jewels and royal favour. Patronage soared as a social class of dancers and courtiers emerged in the royal palaces, where dance competitions were held frequently. This caused Kathak to evolve from a purely religious art form to court entertainment.
$35 per person. Tickets are available for sale only at the Front Desk of the Asian Civilisations Museum (Mon: 1pm-6pm, Tue-Sun: 9am-6pm).
Each ticket includes complimentary entry to ACM’s special exhibition Treasury of the World from 6 – 8pm prior to the performance.
For more information, contact us at 6332 3284 or nhb_acm@nhb.gov.sg
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