Drumming a Dream
All photo credits: Stephen Charles Nicholson
Synopsis
Drumming a Dream is a fantastical musical theater performance, inspired by an ancient Indian folktale. This family-friendly story features a talking drum leading a young girl, Kalpana, through great adventures in a magical forest. The production uses the fundamentals of Indian classical dance, hip-hop choreography alongside Afro-Cuban body percussion, tap, jazz, and contemporary forms accompanied by an electrifying contemporary composition with live music. As the curious Kalpana dreams of a drum that communicates the mysteries of life to her, she traverses and explores the universality of rhythm as a guiding force that helps her confront themes of diversity, and heritage culture. Kalpana's story illuminates how unexpected meetings and chance encounters help build empathy, curiosity, independence, and imagination.