Nrityageet 21 on at the Cultural Centre


Stabroek News
May 6, 2000


The stage of the National Cultural Centre will come alive with dance again tonight when the Nadira and Indranie Shah Dance Troupe continues its Nrityageet 21 performances.

Meaning pure music and dance, Nrityageet, will attempt to showcase the culture of Guyana and the Caribbean through the use of different dance techniques. In addition to tonight's presentation there was one yesterday and there will be another tomorrow night. "We have also added over the years a repertoire of choreographies that reflect a blend of dance forms that are truly a representation of Guyana and Caribbean...," artistic director and choreographer, Nadira Shah Ullyett stated in a release.

Nrityageet commemorates the arrival of Indian immigrants to Guyana and dances are usually done to depict the history, arrival and estate life of East Indians.

However, although Indian classical and folk repertoire is the foundation, the group continues to experiment with other dance forms "making Nrityageet truly reflect a global village of dance," the release said.

Shah Ullyett her sister and Indranie Shah Lennartson do not reside in Guyana but return every year to keep this tradition alive. Their local group is kept together by their sister, Seeta Shah Mohamed, who holds the position of director, producer and co-founder.

The dance group which started in 1979 has represented Guyana internationally at events such as Carifesta and has carted away a number of recognised awards including the Madame Ifill Award for Best Choreography (in Barbados).

Tickets for this production cost $200, $500 and $700.