Seeta Patel marries Indian classical dance and Western classical music in her The Rite of Spring, in a London premiere.

Taking the South Indian classical dance form of bharatanatyam, with its intricate rhythmic footwork, geometric and dynamic movements and expressive prowess, Seeta Patel has created a compelling interpretation of the iconic The Rite of Spring.

Patel will open the evening’s show with a solo performance accompanied by South Indian musicians. The piece shows bharatanatyam as it is often performed in a solo format, taking viewers on the journey of Mother Earth from birth to destruction, preparing for her deliverance through The Rite of Spring.

The second part of this evening offers a rare chance to see bharatanatyam performed in an ensemble piece. Unusually, this version subverts tradition by choosing a male as The Chosen One, elevating him to a deity to whom all sacrifice themselves. This is a spiritual exploration of the work through an Eastern philosophical lens.

With Stravinsky’s iconic score performed live by Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and conductor Kirill Karabits, this is a Rite of Spring, but not as you know it.

Read ‘It’s a grief and a healing’: why dance-makers love The Rite of Spring.

Read the digital programme.

Music score by Igor Stravinsky

There will be a break between Acts 1 and 2 of Stravinsky’s score for a 4’ interlude featuring Carnatic vocals sung by Roopa Mahadevan, composed by the singer (edited by Julien Kottukapally) solely for this choreography.

All programmes state that the performances of the Work(s) are given by permission of Boosey & Hawkes Music Publishers Limited.

Header image © Foteini Christofilopoulou