The ocean was once teeming with life. But as garbage, discarded fishing nets and microplastics began choking its waters, the dancers brought to life a world where the rhythm of nature had been disrupted. This was Lament of the Azure, the opening act of Fractured Harmonies: A Call for Renewal, presented by Kathak exponent Shovana Narayan and her troupe Asavari Repertory at Kamani Auditorium on the evening of September 10.
Fractured Harmonies: A Call for Renewal, presented by Kathak exponent Shovana Narayan and her troupe Asavari Repertory
From polluted waters to space debris, Kathak tells an environmental storyThe show, presented with the support of ReNew, brought together Kathak, music, theatre and visual imagery to reflect on environmental disruption and humanity’s responsibility towards the planet. The performance was attended by chief guests Dr Stefan Priesner, United Nations Resident Coordinator for India, and Bindiya Priesner.
Bindiya Priesner and Dr Stefan Priesner, United Nations Resident Coordinator
The production examined the havoc being caused underwater, on land and even in outer space, while also looking towards restoration and coexistence. Shovana observed, “The subject of the environment is very dear to me. Over the years, we have been wreaking havoc underwater, in space and on the earth. The ecosystem has been fractured. But all is not lost, and we have to bring back the harmony,” she said.
Environmental awareness is much more than science. Culture, and evenings like this, are powerful because they can make people feel its impact emotionally, which can encourage greater awareness and behavioural change
Dr Stefan Priesner, United Nations Resident Coordinator
‘Performing arts make complex environmental concerns relatable’ Vaishali Nigam Sinha, co-founder of the clean energy company, said the conversation around sustainability needed to extend beyond technological solutions. “Creating a sustainable future requires more than technological solutions; it also requires a shift in how we think about our relationship with the environment,” she said, adding that the production brought complex environmental concerns into the realm of performing arts and made them “deeply human, relatable and accessible”.
