SRISHTI PRESENTS 'PLAYBALL'
UK Tour 11 March - 12 April 2008

Place Prize 2006 winner Nina Rajarani presents her company Srishti in 'Playball', a fast moving triple bill of short pieces from a male-dominated cast on tour nationally from 26 January until 12 April 2008. ' Playball' is about what lads do when at work, at play and in love. The new production continues the collaboration between choreographer Nina Rajarani and composer Y Yadavan.

Founded by Artistic Director, Nina Rajarani, Srishti create and present dance work that maintains the authenticity of Indian classical dance and music whilst presenting these forms in innovative ways and within contemporary contexts. The company has a passion for, and extremely in-depth knowledge of, Bharatanatyam (a south Asian style of dance) and Karnatic music, its natural accompaniment.

The 'Playball' performance is split into three sections. The first titled Bend it… let’s play football! The use of complex footwork that Bharatanatyam and football share makes a testosterone-charged, peacock-like display of skill. The dancers and musicians become two teams… they tackle, they shoot, they fake injury like all the greats… a goal is scored, the crowd erupts and the celebration dance ensues. Never has Bharatanatyam been so competitive.

The second section Chemistry is the lovers’ reunion after a tiff. ‘Will she 'Playball'?’ he thinks as he tries to woo her back. This male-female duet, induced with passion and laced with vigorous but playful rhythmic passages creates a romantic and fiery dance that celebrates love and happiness.

The final piece in the set Quick! is the critically acclaimed piece that won Nina Rajarani the Place Prize 2006. In ‘Quick!’ eight ambitious young London businessmen jostle and compete for attention in the workplace – the energy and dazzling footwork of this entertaining piece reflects the cut-throat world of business and city life. Don’t miss this exhilarating testosterone-fuelled dance performance!