Infinite Storms

Choreography, nova bhattacharya

Infinite Storms is a 55 minute dance quintet inspired by Nova Bhattacharya’s migraine condition. Ecstatically embracing all of the hurts, and joys of life - the work highlights the fragile connection between body and mind, negotiates the pains of human existence, and exalts the human spirit. Set to a commissioned soundscape by renowned Toronto tabla virtuoso Ed Hanley and lit by award winning Montreal designer Marc Parent the work weaves together elements of Hindu mythology, bharatanatyam, and Euro-American dance techniques, in a vibrant, and poetic world.

Bhattacharya has created a work that evokes solitude and solidarity; pain and pleasure; passion and compassion in equal measure. Performed by Bhattacharya and four female dancers, Infinite Storms shares the experience of riding the storms that reside within us all.

Infinite Storms, premiered in Toronto, at The Theatre Centre in January 2017. The work invites the audience to consider one of the most common, and universal human experiences – pain. In exchange, it offers images of hope, joy, and resilience. Blurring the lines between what is internalised and externalised it takes us on a journey that ranges from agony to ecstasy. It connects us at once to heartbreaking depths, serene clarity, and blissful enlightenment. It insists on accepting pain, and making peace with it. It highlights the strength and resources of the individual human being, and it reminds us of the meaning of community and compassion.

Response to Infinite Storms is strong. Migraine sufferers feel that it expresses more than words ever could about their own experience. Others observe resonances with grief, depression, and isolation. Critics have commented on the fact that anyone in the audience could find something to identify with, and that the work needs no translation. These factors, combined with a multi-racial cast, and celebration of female energy, makes Infinite Storms a timely, and essential offering to the public.

Dancers: Nova Bhattacharya, Kate Holden, Molly Johnson, Atri Nundy, Malar Varatharaja. 
Creative Collaborator: Louis Laberge-Côté 
Original music: Ed Hanley 
Lighting: Marc Parent

PRESS

“A thorough and fascinating fusion of eastern and western concepts, dance forms and philosophy, the hour-long piece consists of one reveal after another, the finale the most surprising of all." - Susan Walker full review

"Together, they created a dance language that needed no translation. Together, the five women were a sight to behold…. As the audience walked out of the theatre, there was a sense of release, a sense of having lived through someone’s experience of a body spiralling out of control, but then coming out on the other side with a smile, even a chuckle." - Aparita Bhandari full review

Read Michael Crabb, Toronto Star, performance preview

HISTORY

World Premiere - January 26, 2017

Franco Boni Theatre, The Theatre Centre, Toronto