ABHIPSAA - a seeking : Selections from the World Premiere at Duke University December 2021

In ABHIPSAA - a seeking, Bijayini Satpathy calls upon deep kinetic and emotional insights to evolve a revered cultural artform in an astonishing solo exploration. Comprised of three distinct original dances, ABHIPSAA charts a journey of discovery in physical, emotional, and spiritual realms. In this evening-length choreographic debut, Satpathy expands the parameters of the formal and representational norms of the Odissi tradition through both narrative and non-narrative dances - reimagining classical Odissi forms through modern interpretation. Commissioned by Duke University and the Baryshnikov Arts Center, ABHIPSAA - a seeking, takes the audience on a profoundly personal journey. In collaboration with musicians, composers, lighting and theatrical designers, Satpathy’s performance is an otherworldly and transformative experience. A selection of the piece was presented virtually by the Baryshnikov Arts Center with introduction by Mikhail Baryshnikov and Mark Morris in February 2021 and the full piece had its world premiere performances at Duke University in December 2021. This work was made possible with additional funding from the New England Foundation for the Arts’ National Dance Project, with lead funding from the Doris Duke Foundation and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. ABHIPSAA - a seeking is available for appearances worldwide. MUSIC: 1. Vibhanga, broken & rebuilt Based on Sri Lalgudi Jayaraman’s Desh Thillana Concept & Choreography - Bijayini Satpathy Original Composition of Prelude & Melodic Arrangement and Flute - Srinibas Satapathy Rhythm Composition - Dhaneswar Swain & Bijayini Satpathy Singer - Bindhumalini Narayanaswamy Mardala - Shivshankar Satapathy and Budhanath Swain Violin - Agnimitra Behera Manjira - Shivshankar Satapathy Rhythm Recitation - Bijayini Satpathy 2. Virahī, in longing Based on Pt Raghunath Panigrahi’s original song composition of Ashtapadi from 12th Century poet Jayadeva’s Geet Govind Concept & Choreography - Bijayini Satpathy Original Composition of Prelude & Melodic Arrangement and Flute - Srinibas Satapathy Singer - Bindhumalini Narayanaswamy Rhythm Composition, Mardala and Manjira - Shivshankar Satapathy Violin - Agnimitra Behera 3. Vimukthī, the final dance Based on Nirgun Poem of Mystic Poet Saint Kabir Concept & Choreography - Bijayini Satpathy Original Composition and Singer - Bindhumalini Narayanaswamy Rhythm Composition - Pramath Kiran, Dhaneswar Swain Percussions (Djembe, Tabla, Khol, Kanjira, Talking Drum, Morsing & Rhythm Pad) - Pramath Kiran Rhythm Recitation - Bijayini Satpathy & Pramath Kiran CREDITS BIJAYINI SATPATHY - Artistic Director, Choreographer, Performer SRINIBAS SATAPATHY - Composer of melodic developments and arrangements of Vibhanga, Virahi BINDHUMALINI NARAYANASWAMY - Composer of Vimukthi SUJAY SAPLE - Director of Stage and Lighting Design GULAM RASOOL - Master Tailor CLAUDIA NORMAN - Manager and Producer ELAINE LIPCAN - Tour Strategy Consultant MASOOM PARMAR - Co-ordinator