A unique platform for the youth to connect over specialised areas of interest marked the fourth day at the Serendipity Arts Festival
Serendipity Arts Festival witnessed an idyllic mix of music, arts, and theatre, as well as a speaker zone where budding artists were exposed to the finer nuances of their chosen art practice by experts including industry veterans like Prashant Panjiar, Dinesh Khanna, Manisha Parekh. A constant stream of art enthusiasts kept the energies flowing along the bank of river Mandovi.
One of the highlights of the day was Drishti, an innovative dance workshop by acclaimed Indian classical dancers Anwesa Mohanta, Bindu Juneja, Parwati Dutta and Priti Patel wherein each performer provided philosophical and physical insights and perspectives to their respective dance forms such as Sattriya, Kuchipudi and Kathak.
While most workshops kept audiences verbally and visually engaged, the Sarguja clay relief craft workshop by Sundari Bai got people to exert beyond their eyes and ears. Hailing from the Rajwar community of Sarguja district, Chhattisgarh, where motifs of deities, nature, life adorn the walls and doorways of homes, Sundari Bai brought a slice of tradition to the Old GMC grounds. A popular name, her commissioned works can be seen at the Ghasidas Museum in Raipur and in the form of an installation in the State Assembly Building.
Another slice of tradition came alive in the form of The Portuguese Passport by Khel Tiatr. As Khels are usually performed in open spaces, it made for a perfect choice for the street engagement initiative envisioned for the festival. An assemblage of theatre sketches performed by contemporary Tiatr performers, the performance revolved around the narrative of migration and the Portuguese passport.
A few hundred meters down the road, ephemeral stories and philosophical thoughts captured by photographers from across the world unfolded as Serendipity Street took over the Jardim Garcia D’Orta (Municipal Garden) with its cosmos of beautiful imagery.
The youth got their due when emerging talent in music took to the stage with Young Stars – a project by Colin D’Cruz, where they had professionals backing them to showcase their skills.
The highlight of the fourth day was the Speed Networking Zone, a special zone that encouraged everyone present – visitors, delegates, artists, curators, participants, et al – to meet, greet, and exchange notes.