About the Show
Interdisciplinary Asian-American dance artist Shalaka Kulkarni creates experiences that bridge the ancient and contemporary. In this piece featuring guest artist Yoshinojo Fujima (aka Rika Lin), Kulkarni illuminates a dance-theatre journey through sand, water and the language of gestures.
MUDRA is inspired by Shalaka’s time spent with the renowned Maureen Fleming - a Guggenheim Fellow and Fulbright Scholar. This residency was made possible through a grant through 3Arts, a nonprofit organization that supports artists working in the performing, teaching, and visual arts in the Chicago metropolitan area.
About the Artists
Shalaka is trained in Bharatanatyam and Kathak styles, working under artists Pranita Nayar, Sandhya Desai and Nana Shineflug, and holds an MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts and Media from Columbia College Chicago. Her work explores female identity, societal norms, and mythic narratives through hybrid movement and storytelling. As a principal dancer and choreographer, she has performed in India, the U.S., and Europe, including work with Kalapriya Dance Company and the Anila Sinha Foundation. She is also a founder of SurTaal, a collective presenting hybrid Indian classical dance works. Her creative collaborations include performances in The Story of Ram (Harris Theater), the Fever Up series (Chopin Theater), Bridge Dance Festival (Links Hall), Chicago Danzetheatre Ensemble, La Pocha Nostra, Dance Chicago Festival. She has also held residencies at the Chicago Cultural Center, High Concept Labs, Mandala Arts, Ragdale, and SloMoCO (Movement and Computing Community). Learn more about Shalaka at shalakakulkarni.com or on social media @shalaka_dance.
Yoshinojo Fujima (aka Rika Lin) is an interdisciplinary artist, dancemaker, and Grandmaster in Fujima-style Japanese classical dance and is part of the postwar Japanese American diaspora. Her process and art springs forth from the complete immersion in traditional practice and then ‘sonar pings’ as questions, challenges, and then fireworks into a coalesced impression. Learn more at yoshinojo.org/ or follow on social media @fujima.yoshinojo.
Running Time
Due to the high volume and wide breadth of work we present, we are often not able to proactively offer content advisories for individual performances. However, if you have specific concerns about stage effects (such as strobe lights or fog/haze) that might have a bearing on comfort or well-being, or if you would like to know more about the age appropriateness of the performance, please contact the box office at 312-335-1650.
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Patron Code of Conduct
Welcome to Steppenwolf, one of the premiere ensemble theaters in America. By visiting us, you agree to adhere to the theatre’s Patron Code of Conduct and Health and Safety Protocols.
SPONSORS
RED Card Members
If you are a RED Card Member, your credits are valid for this LookOut presentation! Click the button below to learn more about redeeming your credits online.
Patron Code of Conduct
Welcome to Steppenwolf, one of the premiere ensemble theaters in America. By visiting us, you agree to adhere to the theatre’s Patron Code of Conduct and Health and Safety Protocols.