Surabhi Bharadwaj’s Production ‘Two Folds’ Is Thoughtful, Creative

Photos: Santhosh Selvaraj/Pratibimb Photography

India-West Staff Reporter

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Siddhi Creative, a Bay Area-based organization committed to promoting Indian dance through collaboration, innovation, and community building, showcased its latest production, ‘Two Folds – a Double Feature,’ from September 20 to 22 at ODC Theater. This event featured the world premieres of ‘The Maze’ and ‘Finding Joy,’ both choreographed by Artistic Director Surabhi Bharadwaj.

‘The Maze’ was a devised work that challenged conventional notions of beauty, femininity, motherhood, and womanhood. Drawing from Bharadwaj’s lived experiences and the narratives of women navigating patriarchal structures, the piece intertwined movement, text, poetry, music, theater, and technology. By exploring personal stories, ‘The Maze’ aimed to illuminate the broader societal implications surrounding these themes. A work-in-progress showing of the piece debuted at a Studio 210 Residency Showcase curated by Deborah Slater Dance Theater in 2022, and it was recently honored with the Isadora Duncan Dance Award for Outstanding Achievement in Music/Sound/Text in 2024.

The second part of the evening, ‘Finding Joy,’ presented an ensemble exploration that celebrated the beauty of the ordinary while challenging hierarchical structures in the creative process. The performance examined themes of nostalgia, love, community, and art, all in an effort to bring joy amidst the pressures of a competitive world. By reflecting the audience’s own lives, ‘Finding Joy’ created a meaningful connection between the art, artist, and spectators, honoring the richness of shared human experiences.

Music collaborators for the performances included Roopa Mahadevan, Music Director for ‘The Maze,’ known for her impactful contributions as a second-generation Indian classical and crossover vocalist. Maya Rau-Murthy and Vishnu R served as Music Co-Directors for ‘Finding Joy.’ Rau-Murthy, based in New York and California, is a talented Konnakol artist, rapper, and dancer, while Vishnu R is renowned for his expertise in Indian classical and jazz fusion music.

Siddhi Creative continued to foster a vibrant artistic community, inviting audiences to engage with and reflect upon the complexities of contemporary life through the lens of Indian dance.