Cowell Theater
Three weekends, three wildly different dance performances.
The Cowell Theater, as it often does throughout the year,
hosts programs to delight Bay Area dance lovers in November.
The first, three days of performances
beginning Thursday, November 4, is Sampurnam, a world
premiere by Pandit Chitresh Das. The Chitresh Das Dance
Company and musicians Abhijit Banerjee, Kousic Sen, Swapnamoy
Banerjee, and vocalist Mala Ganguly explore the boundaries
and depths of India’s classical Kathak dance. Sampurnam
weaves percussive footwork and the energy of ancient India
through chanted verse. A champagne reception celebrates the
60th birthday of Pandit Chitresh Das following the Saturday
performance. For more information check November
4 in the calendar or visit www.kathak.org.
 Liss
Fain Dance returns with a premiere for three evenings
in November beginning Friday, November 12. The new dance,
funded by the San Francisco Arts Commission, is Eclipse
of the Soul and features Fain working with a live video
of Ulzi Lkhagaborj, a Mongolian throat singer, set against
a landscape created by designer Matthew Antaky. The San Francisco-based
dance company is recognized for its exploration of the interrelationships
of choreography and visual design. It is also known for its
vibrant, collaborative pieces, creating images that are both
abstract and personal. For more information check November
12 or visit www.liss
faindance.org.
 On
November 20, Cowell audiences are in for another treat.
Conjunto Folklorico Panama America (CFPA) presents
the VIII Panamanian Folkloric Encounter. More than
100 dancers from throughout the US and Panama create a vibrant
anthology of Panamanian dance and music highlighting Afro-Caribbean
and Spanish court influences. The first time in Northern California,
the showcase promises a dazzling portrayal of the diverse
folk culture that is Panama. CFPA, incidentally, has danced
in San Francisco’s Carnaval Parade since 1991. For more
information, see the November
20 calendar listing.
– Ronald Tierney
Images: Chitresh Das Dance, Charlotte Moraga & Jaiwanti
Pamnani, Photo Marty Sohl; Liss Fain Dance, Lynlee and Joseph,
Photo Marty Sohl; VIII Encuentro Folklorico Panameño,
Photo Arnold Casey
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