A fusion of Australian and traditional Indian aerial acrobatics arts
New Delhi 9th March 2014: Kalakar Trust in association with the Australian Government presented AKASHAN – an acrobatic Show at New Delhi Flying Club, Safdurjung Airport, New Delhi.
Aakashan is a fusion of Australian and Indian traditional aerial acrobatics arts. The Show was developed and directed by Catherine Daniel an Australian physical theater practitioner in collaboration with Indian choreographer Vikram Mohan, Carly Sheppard, an indigenous Australian contemporary and tradition dancer and the Kalakar Trust. The project is supported by Australian Government through the Australian International Cultural Council and kalakar Trust.
Aakashan was presented and performed by young artists who belong to traditional artist families having low- income backgrounds. The show’s daring aerial acrobatics feats performed include the aptly named gazelle split, half angel, mermaid, bow and arrow & sleeping beauty. All these elements require incredible stamina and endurance to perform.
Speaking on the occasion Mrs. Sterre Sharma, founder Kalakar Trust says “I am proud that the youngsters in this show showed the strength to succeed in spite of the challenges they have faced every day of their life”
About Kalakar Trust
Founded by 1992 by Mrs. Sterre Sharma, The Kalakar Trust has grown to benefit more than 1200 families of mostly puppeteers, dancers, musicians, acrobats, and magicians. The funding for the Trust comes from the sale of Mrs. Sharma’s paintings. The basic aim of the Trust is to keep the traditional art of these communities alive by providing education, health services, drinking water, income generation arts and community management.
The Kalakar Trust is an NGO working for the up-liftment of underprivileged artists living in Delhi slums. The major project is in Katputli colony, West Delhi. The basic aim of the Trust is to keep the traditional art of these communities alive by providing education, health services, drinking water, income generation arts and community management.