Jade Dewi Tyas Tunggal Avantika


D A N C E R - C H O R E O G R A P H E R - T E A C H E R


AVANTIKA (2013)
How can we manifest brilliance and elegance in our world? Can we live as warriors with dignity and rejoicing, without destroying one another?

Inspired by the insight and strength of noble women featured in epic Hindu mythology (such as Shinta in the Ramayana and Draupadi in the Mahabharata); this new solo dance explores the process of re-birth or re-becoming across different realms of existence and celebrates gentleness as the absence of doubt, and a sad and tender heart coming from fearlessness.

This work is also influenced by the enlightened wisdom of Buddhist ‘way of a peaceful warrior’ philosophy, Himalayan dharma prayer wheels and sacred 'wind horse' flags, enduring ancient Shiva and Vishnu stone temple topographic architecture in southern India, universal solar worship informing body mandalas in traditional dance and martial arts, and the play of the five natural elements out of which all phenomena are formed.

Showing of first stage development presented in Bangalore, India - February 2013 - Concept, choreography and performance - Jade Dewi Tyas Tunggal Music composition - Joseph Hyde, Jatin Vidyarthi Lighting design - Fudetani Ryoya, Thomas Dotzler Costume realisation - Asha Fernandez Set construction - Sridhar Ramesh Anekl

News article about Attakkalari India Biennial in the India Times Pictures from the Attakkalari India Biennial in the Daily News Attakkalari India Biennial article in Look Bangalore Interview with Jade about Avantika in the Attakkalari Biennial Newletter
FOUR DIGNITIES (AUSPICIOUS CREATURES) TIGER WIND - Respiration, Old Age, Autumn, Sunset, White Conceiving a warrior's journey begins with being grounded and humble, overcoming arrogance and developing friendliness Humble, Gentle, Modest, Self satisfied - Realising a sword was balanced on my head LION EARTH - Taste, Death, Winter, Midnight, Black Focusing on cultivating sharp, vibrant, and uplifted energy develops inherent inquisitiveness which conquers hesitation Delight, Cheer, Energised, Perky - Handling sword and becoming possessed DRAGON WATER - Sight, Birth, Spring, Sunrise, Blue The inscrutable warrior creates even greater benefit and good fortune for others Inscrutable, Impenetrable, Playful, Unwavering - Realising holding sword, intoxicated sword fights with magnetism of suspended sword GARUDA FIRE - Listening, Youth, Summer, Midday, Red Abandoning all personal agendas the outrageous warrior acts spontaneously and without strategy as all sense of boundary and petty mind dissolves Daring, Fearless, Without Limits, Outrageous - Handling second sword, putting out the fire, becoming free and realising new placement of self as sculptured stone.
Avantika photography: Christine Hewitt