PRESENTED BY NOTTINGHAM MELA NETWORK LOOKING BACK, MOVING FORWARDS PROGRAMME 2017 + ASSOCIATED PROGRAMME FRI 8 – SAT 9 SEPTEMBER
SUN 10 SEPTEMBER
NEW ART EXCHANGE
NOTTINGHAM CASTLE
FOOD / MUSIC / DANCE / THEATRE / EXHIBITIONS / LITERATURE / SPOKEN WORD FAMILY ACTIVITIES / INDIAN CUISINE / STALLS AND CRAFTS WWW.NAE.ORG.UK
#NOTTSMELA
PUBLIC ART GALLERY Exhibitions, events, family activities, festivals, cafĂŠ bar FREE ENTRY www.nae.org.uk 39-41 Gregory Blvd Nottingham, NG7 6BE The Forest tram stop @newartexchange
The NAAC aspires to develop and advance the education of the public in the appreciation and practice of all South Asian arts, in particular through arranging and promoting a wide range of performances and workshops.
NAAC and Shiamak – renowned and popular dance and music academy, will be re-starting in September. To register your interest and membership contact 0779 224 7331.
www.asianarts.org.uk
THE UK’S ORIGINAL MELA RETURNS! ‘Looking back, moving forwards’ positions our 2017 Mela during the 70th anniversary year of Indian Independence and its partition into the countries now known as India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. This year we will explore the South Asian diaspora in the UK today; widening the reach of rich South Asian art forms that have flourished in the British multi-cultural context. We’re teaming up with Jaipur Literature Festival, launching an Open Call with New Art Exchange & UNESCO City of Literature. Great cultural legacies and ancient lineages appear throughout as Rudra Veena maestro Ustad Bahauddin Dagar performs a midnight raag and Punjabtronix, with DJ Swami, combines cutting edge live electronica with the traditional sounds of Punjab. As the anniversary of independence approaches, Sanju Sahai and Bernhard Schimpelsberger are joined by guitarist Giuliano Modarelli to create a rhythmic conversation from past and present through western drums and tabla.
We open the Nottingham Mela 2017 weekender in September with performances by Aakash Odedra and Seeta Patel. Join us to dance, eat delicious food, enjoy epic films and live acts such as Mona Singh – daughter of Godfather of British Bhangra ‘Channi’ – and tantalising indo-jazz from Jesse Bannister. Across the city, partner programmes at Lakeside Arts, Dance4, Nottingham Playhouse and Broadway offer activities for all the family. We are also delighted to feature the Reimagine India Here There & Everywhere partnership with poignant exhibitions and performances featuring Munir Kabani, Nikhil Chopra, Tasawar Bashir, and later in the month resident artist, Gagan Singh. This festival is a celebration of unity as we widen our partnerships and extend the season; an exploration of the pathways which have shaped South Asian diaspora communities in UK society today. Skinder Hundal Executive Producer, Nottingham Mela Network
PREVIEW EVENTS AT NEW ART EXCHANGE FRIDAY 14 JULY LIVE ART PERFORMANCE By Nikhil Chopra and Madhavi Gore. FRIDAY 14 JULY MIDNIGHT RAAG By Ustaad Bahauddin Dagar. SATURDAY 15 JULY EXHIBITION LAUNCH Bhairav and Dam Pani.
SATURDAY 22 JULY PUNJABTRONIX DJ Swami teams up with folk Punjabi artists and visuals by John Minton as technology meets Punjabi folk tradition. THURSDAY 10 AUGUST CONVERSATIONS IN RHYTHM Pandit Sanju Sahai and percussion maestro
Bernhard Schimpelsberger explore Indian rhythms with guest guitarist Giuliano Modarelli. TUESDAY 22 AUGUST BARZAKH BY QAWWALI BEAST Celebrating the legacy of legendary South Asian singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan with Tasawar Bashir.
Arts and humanities BA courses with foundation year
For talented UK and EU students who do not meet our direct entry criteria for undergraduate courses. 19 subjects to choose from, including year abroad options.
www.nottingham.ac.uk/arts/foundation
MELA AT NEW ART EXCHANGE of Lots
39-41 Gregory Boulevard, Nottingham, NG7 6BE
FRI 8 SEPTEMBER
SAT 9 SEPTEMBER
Opening Event
ALL DAY DESI CUISINE Taste the flavours of South Asia at NAE Café Bar. The bar is open throughout.
6.30 – 7PM DRINKS RECEPTION 7PM – 8.15PM AKAASH ODEDRA AND SEETA PATEL The ‘Prince’ of Kathak, Aakash Odedra and Bharatanatyam artist Seeta Patel share their respective solo dance pieces in an intimate setting with a Q&A with Skinder Hundal. 8.30PM – 10.30PM AÏCHA A relaxed party vibe as Aïcha presents an eclectic DJ set inspired by world music, hip hop and electronic beats.
Exhibitions Open all weekend BHAIRAV Immersive film installation and drawings by Munir Kabani and Nikhi Chopra. DAM PANI Sonic sculpture paying homage to the late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan by Tasawar Bashir.
9AM – 10AM YOGA Mixed ability energising adult yoga session with live bansuri flute (limited mats available). 10.30AM – 12PM MORNING RAAG: ACHUTHAN SRIPATHMANATHAN Beautiful immersive South Asian violin recital. 12.30PM – 5PM MYTH OF HER New folk electronica collaboration between Anne Eltard and Sarah Sayeed, with guest Damien Mahoney presenting the sounds of Scandinavia, Arabia and India in a contemporary style. 12.30PM – 1.15PM & 3.45PM – 4.30PM BHANGRA TOTS Bhangra and Bollywood dance for young children with interactive storytelling. Adults must stay with their children and of course join in the fun (places are limited).
FREitEies!
activ
12.30PM – 2PM & 3PM – 4.30PM MEHNDI & RANGOLI WORKSHOP Join Vina Ladwa for an exciting afternoon of South Asian family activities making patterns with henna and beautiful colourful rangoli on tiles. 1.45PM – 3.15PM MASHI THEATRE Join Mashi Theatre to make your own crow from recycled materials and learn about the Tales of Birbal. An interactive drama and puppet making workshop for children 6-11years. Children must be accompanied by an adult (places are limited). 7PM – 9PM TONGUE TIED AND TWISTED A fresh UK twist on traditional tales collected from South Asian elders. Live storytelling fused with a unique blend of Urban Hip Hop and classical South Asian sounds. Produced by Black Country Touring with Peter Chand. Age range: 12+ Admission: £6/£4 concession Booking required: www.nae.org.uk 0115 924 8630
All acts and times are correct at the time of print.
MELA AT NOTTINGHAM CASTLE Lenton Road, Nottingham, NG1 6EL
SUN 10 SEPTEMBER 11:30AM – 12PM OPENING PROCESSION Dhol drummer Harjinder Matharu leads a procession into the grounds with young people from NAAC School of Music & Dance.
Bandstand Live Music 12PM – 12.45PM WAQAS CHOUDHARY & GUESTS This Bansuri flute talent is joined on stage with an eclectic mix of artists. 1.30PM – 2.15PM SANDEEP RAVAL International percussionist, producer and multiinstrumentalist composer. 3PM – 3.45PM JESSE BANNISTER Britain’s leading Indo-Jazz Saxophonist and band.
On The Green
Written Word
Dance
12PM & 1.30PM POETRY CORNER Kavya Rang present readings of multi-lingual poetry by local writers and poets.
12PM – 1.30PM SHAKTI ACADEMY & MANUSHI DANCE COMPANY From Bollywood and bhangra to kathak, our youngest dancers bless the festival followed by more experienced performers as these two companies join forces! 12.45PM, 1.45PM & 2.45PM YOGA Parmjit Sagoo leads this session suitable for all ages (limited mats available). 2:15PM – 3PM DRUMMING CIRCLE Join Biant Singh to celebrate the spirit of Mela through rhythm, accompanid by sarod. 3.45PM – 4.15PM POOJA KALE (SHIAMAK) Lively Bollywood dance.
4.40PM – 5.25PM MONA SINGH Princess of Bhangra and daughter of UK’s Godfather of Bhangra, Channi Singh.
4.20PM – 4.40PM ANKH DANCE COMPANY The beauty and elegance of kathak dance.
COMPÈRE DANNY LADWA Home-grown beat boxing talent Danny Ladwa will be energising the bandstand.
COMPÈRE JAY POLLITT Dancer and choregrapher, Jay animates the stage and introduces the action!
FROM 2PM JAIPUR LITERATURE FESTIVAL CALL OUT LAUNCH In partnership with NAE and UNESCO City of Literature, Jaipur Literature festival launches an open call for emerging writers for a residency in Jaipur.
Family Activities 12PM – 5PM REAL CREATIVE FUTURES FAMILY FUN Make South Asian musical instruments and explore sound sculptures with two RCF artists. 12PM – 5.30PM FAMILY CRAFT ACTIVITY Join Samiah Haleem for this drop in activity for families.
In The Castle 2.15PM – 3.45PM SINGHSTRINGS A classical recital on sitar and tabla by Surmeet and Upneet Singh Dhadyalla.
Information & lost children
Bandstand: Live Music
Dance
Food + Craft Stalls
RCF Family Fun
Yoga
Family Activities
Castle Heritage Day Toilets Written Word Entrances Stairs
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FREE
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All acts and times are correct at the time of print.
ARTISTS PROFILES
FRIDAY 8 SEPTEMBER
SATURDAY 9 SEPTEMBER
Aakash Odedra is from Birmingham. Trained in the classical Indian dance styles of Kathak and Bharatanatyam, as well as developing contemporary movement with mentor Akram Khan; Odedra’s style is a unique synthesis of classical Indian and contemporary dance.
Bhangra Tots is a fun dance organisation led by Sohan Kailey engaging young children and families in Bhangra and Bollywood music, dance, and interactive storytelling.
Mashi Theatre’s vision is to reawaken stories seeped in culture and hand them down to new generations, sharing stories for the child in all of us! ‘Mashi’ is the keeper of stories, teller of tales, a playmaker and confidante.
Seeta Patel is an independent artist whose work is diverse but grounded in concepts and detail derived from her classically trained background of Bharatanatyam as well as her choreography of contemporary dance.
Peter Chand has been entertaining audiences with his tales from the Indian Subcontinent since 1999. His project created with Black Country Touring, Tongue Tied & Twisted is a performance of traditional stories collected from South Asian elders.
Myth of Her is a folk electronica collaboration between Anne Eltard and Sarah Sayeed, with Damien Mahoney, presenting international music with contemporary, classical and folk traditions.
SUNDAY 10 SEPTEMBER
Ankh Dance Company is mentored and created by renowned kathak dancer Gauri Sharma. This Londonbased kathak troupe’s expertise is to create new vocabularies and explore new dimensions of movement; pushing physical boundaries while staying rooted to the form.
Waqas Choudhary is a Pakistani Bansuri flute player. He has played locally within the East Midlands region and nationally for a number of years, and has collaborated with a number of artists in the Nottingham area in particular.
Achuthan Sripathmanathan is a violinist who has performed in orchestras from a young age. With a distinctive approach to the sound of Carnatic music, he has performed at Milapfest, Carnatica Music and Dance Festival, and Summer Solstice Festival.
Jesse Bannister is widely respected as the leading Indian Saxophonist in Europe. With original compositions and outstanding performances he has an international reputation, having toured in Asia, Europe and the US.
Jaipur Literature Festival are collaborating with NAE and Unesco City of Literature, through a series of interventions during Nottingham Mela 2017. Supporting an open call and curating a selection of books representing 70 years since India’s Independence.
ARTISTS PROFILES
Parmjit Sagoo has over 15 years’ experience in drama, movement and theatre. Trained to teach all ages she is passionate about using creativity and yoga to support wellbeing and social change.
ARTISTS PROFILES
SUNDAY 10 SEPTEMBER
Pooja Kale is an instructor at Shiamak Dance East Midlands who has taught as far afield as Mumbai and Indore. She has danced in Bollywood films including Yuvraj and Game, and has taught Bollywood actresses such as Priyanka Chopra and Sonakshi Sinha.
Samiah Haleem otherwise known as artist aunty, has offered craft and textile workshops for all ages in the community for a number of years. She is a known face in Nottingham, in particular Hyson Green!
Harjinder Matharu is a classically trained tabla player based in Birmingham. He has performed many times at Mela nationally, and as guru, leading students of NAAC School of Dance and Music.
Kayva Rang is a poetry group that has charmed the Mela space and returns for their fourth year. Reading multilingual poetry, they will share their work and that of poets they respect and admire.
Manushi Dance Company has shared its love of South Asian kathak dance through performance, education and workshops. Led by Vina Ladwa, the company has performed nationally and internationally and celebrates its 21st year at Nottingham Mela.
Sandeep Raval is a musician with a constant hunger for new sonic adventures having already performed everywhere from Delhi to Moscow by the age of 13! Percussionist, meditative producer and multiinstrumentalist composer.
ALSO APPEARING AT MELA Giuliano Modarelli is jazztrained and studied under renowned UK sitarist Ustad Dharambir Singh and Indian classical maestro Buddhadev Dasgupta.
Mona Singh is popularly known as the “Princess of Bhangra”. She has collaborated with big names including the late great Bollywood playback singer Labh Janjua and western mainstream producers Basement Jaxx.
Punjabtronix is a live collaboration between British Indian music producer DJ Swami and traditional Punjabi folk musicians with live-mixed digital video projections. Sanju Sahai is from the sixth generation of tabla players in the Benares Gharana lineage and is well known for mesmerising his audience with his virtuosity. Bernhard Schimpelsberger is an Austrian-born percussionist who studied in India under tabla maestro Pandit Suresh Talwakar. He has performed internationally as a solo artist and alongside Soumik Datta with his band Circle of Sound.
Biant Singh Suwali is an experienced percussionist and social worker. He believes that drumming can help people connect and improve communication, mood and self-esteem.
Singhstrings brothers, Upneet and Surmeet Singh Dhadyalla, are classically trained and were taught by their father Ustad Dharambir Singh – one of the most prominent sitar players in the UK – Singhstrings is truly a family affair.
HERE, THERE & EVERYWHERE An artistic collaboration between India and the UK featuring Munir Kabani (Film), Nikhil Chopra (Illustration/Live Art), Ustad Bahauddin Dagar (musician), Madhavi Gore (Live Art), Sajan Mani (Live Art), Tasawar Bashir (Sonic Sculpture).
ARTISTS PROFILES
Shakti Academy has developed into a nationally recognised organisation since its birth in 1995. The group gives young people a platform to share their passion for dance and learn various styles of Indian dance.
ASSOCIATED PROGRAMME NEW ART EXCHANGE
NOTTINGHAM LAKESIDE ARTS
Gregory Boulevard, NG7 6BE 0115 924 8630
University Park, NG7 2RD 0115 846 7777
THURSDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 6.30PM – 8PM 70 YEARS ON VOICES OF COLONIALISM Journalist and broadcaster Bidisha discusses the different voices which have emerged during the colonial and postcolonial era in South Asia. Age range: All are welcome Admission: FREE
THURSDAY 19 OCTOBER 10AM – 4PM INDIAN STEAM PARKOUR WORKSHOP DAY A great opportunity for parkour/dancers to join the team on an intensive workshop day, with the aim of featuring in a 5 minute section of the Indian Steam show on Friday evening. Advance booking is essential. Performance experience necessary. Age range: 16+ Admission: £10
TUESDAY 7 NOVEMBER 7.30PM DARBAR FRINGE Featuring Debasmita Bhattacharya (sarod), Shane Solanki (spoken word), Rehmat Rayatt (visuals) with Philharmonia Orchestra. Age range: All are welcome Admission: £8/£5 FRIDAY 1 DECEMBER 7.30PM PROJECT 70 Asian Blues – Aziz Ibrahim and Dalbir Singh Rattan with visual artist Hardeep Pandhal present an immersive musical journey exploring migration and the partition of India and South Asian communities settling in the UK. Age range: All are welcome Admission: FREE
FRIDAY 20 OCTOBER 7.30PM INDIAN STEAM The Urban Playground Team (UK) & Parkour Circle (IN) plus Manushi Dance Company Built in Britain and shipped to India, this ancient steam locomotive is resurrected in a whistle-stop tour of the engine’s imagined life. The UPG Team & Parkour Circle invite you on their railway adventure! Age range: All are welcome Admission: £9
SUNDAY 22 OCTOBER 1PM & 3.30PM THE MAGIC FISH ATMA Dance By Mayuri Boonham A classic Indian tale retold through dance, storytelling and beatboxing for young thinking minds. Vishnu wakes up after sleeping for thousands of years to find a greedy demon called NoKnowledge has taken earth’s most precious treasures for himself. Age range: 5+ Admission: £8
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SIAN TH A U NTH O S E MO ss G A T ro ERI e ac c s in s pla take ious site 17 r 2 a v er 0 emb Sept
Please contact the organisations listed for further details. Booking is recommended.
BROADWAY CINEMA
NOTTINGHAM PLAYHOUSE
14-18 Broad Street, NG1 3AL 0115 952 6611 SEPTEMBER 2017 INDIAN CINEMA SEASON (All with English Subtitles) FRIDAY 22 – THUSDAY 28 VARIOUS TIMES HOTEL SALVATION (PG) (2016) Dir: Shubhashish Bhutiani. 102m. 77-year-old Daya announces that he must go to the holy city of Varanasi to achieve salvation in his final days. His son reluctantly agrees to accompany him, but once there, Daya is reinvigorated, forcing the father and son to reconnect. FRIDAY 22, 5.15PM THE MUSIC ROOM (U) (1958) Dir: Satyajit Ray. 100m. Satyajit Ray’s masterful film is a parable of modernity clashing with tradition, set within the decaying palace of a landlord incapable of seeing that the world around him is crumbling. SATURDAY 23, 5PM THE CLOUD-CAPPED STAR (PG) (1960) Dir: Ritwik Ghatak. 126m. Writer/director Ritwik Ghatak’s story of a postpartition Bengali family is a dark melodrama full of expressionistic beauty and evincing a rare empathy for its female characters.
SUNDAY 24, 5PM BOMBAY (12) (1995) Dir: Mani Ratnam. 138. Mani Ratman’s melodrama of starcrossed lovers is set during the 1993 Bombay riots and is masterfully scored by A. R. Rahman (Slumdog Millionaire). MONDAY 25, 7.45PM PYAASA (U) (1957) Dir: Guru Dutt. 138m An immortal classic, director/star Guru Dutt’s soulful, romantic Pyaasa is a sumptuous tale of a young poet’s ambitions. TUESDAY 26, 7.45PM THE CLAY BIRD (PG) (2002) Dir: Tareque Masud. 98m. As Bangladesh gains independence in 1960, a young boy is sent to a madrasa by his devout Muslim father. A complex modern portrayal of Islam. WEDNESDAY 27, 7.45PM SCORCHING WINDS (PG) (1974) Dir: M.S. Sathyu. 146m. Scorching Winds is the rare tale of the plight of Muslims who opted to stay in the land of their forefathers rather than leave for Pakistan.
Wellington Circus, NG1 5AF 0115 941 9419 10 SEPTEMBER – 30 OCTOBER ANISH KAPOOR’S SKY MIRROR Admission: FREE
IC4C 2 Dakeyne Street, NG32AR 0115 924 2016 FRIDAY 20 OCTOBER 10.30AM – 12.00PM COFFEE MORNING: SEETA PATEL (UK) Seeta invites you to Dance4’s iC4C to discuss themes of whitewashing history and its impact on our perceptions of society today. Age range: 16+ Admission: FREE
OLD MARKET SQUARE Nottingham, NG1 2DT FRIDAY 13 OCTOBER 6PM – 9PM SATURDAY 14 OCTOBER 12PM – 5PM DIWALI Celebrate Diwali in Old Market Square. Emergency Exit Arts’ mechanical elephant with music, rangoli and dance. Admission: FREE
NOTTINGHAM MELA 2017 FUNDERS
ASSOCIATED VENUES AND PARTNERS
PRODUCERS
CORPORATE SPONSOR
NCH advert for Mela brochure_66.5mm X 97.5mm_July 2017.ai 1
Are you someone who likes to challenge the rules and break new ground?
Creating homes and places where people want to live
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Someone who likes to colour outside the lines?
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We’re one of the biggest and most respected housing organisations in the region, and one of Nottingham’s biggest employers. We are always looking to recruit diverse staff into a wide variety of roles.
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rcf@nae.org.uk 0115 924 8630 www.realcreativefutures.co.uk
To find out more about joining the team please visit www.jobsatnch.org.uk.
Visit the 'secret library' Bromley House Library is a historic independent subscription library in the centre of Nottingham. Housed in a Grade II* Georgian townhouse, it boasts one of only two walled gardens in the city. Bromley House is still a thriving lending library and new members are always welcome. The Library is open to the public on Saturday 9th September, 10am - 4pm for Heritage Open Day Tours are also available every Wednesday afternoon. For more information, contact the Library or visit www.bromleyhouse.org Bromley House Library Angel Row, Nottingham, NG1 6HL Tel: 0115 947 3134 Email: enquiries@bromleyhouse.org We regret that we are not currently accessible to wheelchair users
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