Sonia Sabri and her company recently performed Ekalya (from the Sanskrit ‘solo’) to their biggest audience yet – 6,000 people – at WOMAD 2014.
“We had a blast at Womad!” says Sonia. “It was the first time they had presented Kathak dance with live music and the reception was out of this world. We loved performing and the audience feedback was instant and vocal! For a moment I felt like a popstar because the energy was magnificent!”
Now Edinburgh will be able to see what all the fuss is about. Ekalya is a contemporary/classical celebration of Persian and Indian artistry expressed through the intricate language of Kathak dance.
It features evocative live music from an ensemble of musicians: Sarvar Sabri, musical director and tabla maestro on tabla, vocals and harmonium by Shoma Dey, and on the rare instrument sarangi is Gurpreet Singh.
“I love doing Mela in Edinburgh,” says Sonia. “It’s one of the festivals that really understands how to accommodate and present dance works and, above all, the people who attend are so friendly, warm and good humoured.
"Art seems to be inherent in people’s lives which makes us feel like we are part of one big arty family! We presented Jugni at last year’s Edinburgh Mela and had a rapturous reception. I really looking forward to going back and presenting Ekalya.
“These Mela festivals really challenge the misconception that festivals only programme commercial or glitzy work. For many Asians too it’s a cultural event deriving from the sub continent where family and friends hang out together to be immersed in food, entertainment, shopping and socialising.
"Mela literally means ‘getting together’. This family friendly event has caught on in the UK and brings communities of all cultural backgrounds together. It’s a wonderful way to discover and appreciate each other’s traditions and social activites and above all, join together and have fun.”