UK Premiere - The Royal Rarhi Chhau Dancers at the British Library
08 July 2008
Thursday 10 July 2008 - Monday 14 July 2008
The British Library will host the first ever UK visit by The Royal Rarhi Chhau Dancers from 10 - 14 July 2008, as part of the celebrations for its free summer exhibition, The Ramayana: Love and Valour in India's Great Epic (16 May - 14 September 2008).
A unique opportunity to experience the exuberance of chhau - 'the masked dance of the ancient warrior', which is hugely popular across the tribal areas of West Bengal and Bihar that make up the former East Indian kingdom of Rarh.
Magnificent outsized masks, breathtaking acrobatics, wild combat and comedy scenes accompanied by powerful drumming make these outdoor performances of the Ramayana stories unmissable. This is the first time this vibrant north-east Indian dance form has been seen in the UK.
The UK premiere of The Royal Rarhi Chhau Dancers is part of a series of events tying in with the British Library exhibition, The Ramayana: Love and Valour in India's Great Epic (16 May - 14 September 2008). Other forthcoming events include the UK premiere of animated film Sita Sings the Blues by Nina Paley (8 July), acrobatic Chhau dance (10-14 July), talk by bestselling Indian author Ashok Banker (1 September) and Kathakali performances (7 September). For more information please visit www.bl.uk/ramayana
For press information or images, please contact Ruth Howlett at the British Library Press Office: +44 (0)20 7412 7112 or ruth.howlett@bl.uk
Notes for Editors
The Royal Rarhi Chhau Dancers perform 10 - 14 July at the British Library, 96 Euston Road, London, NW1 2DB. Admission is FREE. Suitable for all ages.
Thursday 10 July 17.45 - 19.00
Friday 11 July 17.45 - 19.00
Saturday 12 July 14.30 - 15.45
Sunday 13 July 13.00 - 14.15
Monday 14 July 17.45 - 19.00
Part of a series of public events tying in with the British Library exhibition, The Ramayana: Love and Valour in India's Great Epic (16 May - 14 September 2008). The exhibition is free and open every day. www.bl.uk/ramayana
Free guided tours of the exhibition are available for visiting groups (10 or more). Booking in advance is essential. For further information and to book, call +44 (0)20 7412 7797 or email learning@bl.uk
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