“Narasimha—ManLion,” a mythological queering of an eighth century poem will transcend into an experimental Indian dance. It will be part of a two-week programmed performances where six artists from diverse practices and unique perspectives will push the comfort zone and take us to the Fringe.
Raina Peterson, a dancer-choreographer of Fiji-Indian and English heritage who was born and raised on the lands of the Gunaikurnai people, will present “Narasimha-ManLion” as their new solo work on week two. It has been commissioned by Melbourne Fringe’s Radical Access Program in partnership with Arts Access Victoria.
“Narasimha—ManLion” draws inspiration from Tamil Poet-Saint Andal’s devotional poem which explores Narasimha: the fierce Hindu deity associated with the liminal and the in-between. It combines blood and honey, flowers and entrails.
Raina draws on their training in classical Indian dance (Mohiniyattam) to create a work which oscillates between the violence of Narasimha’s imagery and the sensuality of Andal’s poetry. “Narasimha—ManLion’ is part one of a triptych queering classical Indian dance from the perspective of a transgender Hindu.”
“Temperance Hall gives license to thrill in this year’s Melbourne Fringe. A queerordinary solo by choreographer, Raina Peterson offers a fierce commentary on gender through hyper-queer myth making,” says Phillip Adams, Artistic Director Temperance Hall.
Raina creates moving experimental dance works that respect and challenge both traditional and contemporary dance. With a substantial body of new work including five company productions, Raina‘s works draw on their training in Mohiniyattam, classical Indian dance of Kerala, and are critically acclaimed for their subversive and visceral approach to exploring the diasporic experience, cultural identity, colonialism, gender diversity and sexuality.
Their full-length works with dance partner Govind Pillai include ‘In Plain Sanskrit’ (2015, FCAC), ‘Bent Bollywood’ (2018, Midsumma Festival, shortlisted for a National Dance Award), ‘Third Nature’ (2019, Arts House), ‘Kāla’ (2019, Due West Festival) and award-winning dance film ‘Drishti’ (2020, winner of two Fringe Awards: ‘Best dance and physical theatre’ and ‘Innovation’ in culturally diverse practice).
MELBOURNE FRINGE AT TEMPERANCE HALL, WEEK TWO
- Dates: Wed 19 Oct to Sat 22 Oct
- Full program information click here
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
