In the Kathak tradition of classical Indian dance, a drummer takes control while a dancer follows their lead. In “TWO” this fundamental rule is put to the test, as dancer Raghav Handa and maestro tabla musician Maharshi Raval explore the ways in which traditional power dynamics and conventional roles can be upended in the pursuit of creativity.
For close to ten years Raghav and Maharshi have built a friendship defined – and sometimes challenged – by Kathak’s hierarchy of musician and dancer. Can that friendship survive a radical experiment in creative disruption? Can Kathak?
Fusing powerful physicality with virtuosic performance, “TWO” is a dynamic, energetic dance celebration imbued with a playful spirit and zest. Conversational and intimate, it’s a candid exploration of the process of art-making and the interplay between artists.
“TWO” is a witty, personal work about an inter-generational, intercultural relationship. It explores the possibility of respectfully breaking with tradition, and asks what is gained and lost along the way. It’s a piece about making space, relinquishing power and truly collaborating.