Preserving Indian Heritage through the Preforming Arts

By Ashraf Dabie

The cultural heritage of those who came as indentured labourers is still evident in present Guyanese society. As a matter of fact, some of those traditions brought to these shores by our Indian ancestors have laid the foundation upon which our society operates.

However, though several aspects of the tangible and non-tangible inheritance from our Indian forefathers have managed to weather the years, some elements have either been completely erased or fused with other ethnicities to create a unique creole culture. Nonetheless, masses of traditional Indian societies and cultural activists have successfully established various avenues to preserve and celebrate the contributions of their predecessors. One such example is the annual classical dance production, Nrityageet.

Nrityageet features a fusion of traditional Indian dances, including Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, as well as the more modern Caribbean evolutions such as Chutney and Soca.  After being staged for over 30 years, the production has been established as a highly anticipated cultural spectacle, while honouring the founding fathers of Indo-Guyanese society and educating those in attendance of their historical arrival and presence. Nrityageet was birthed 38 years ago, when the Nadira and Indranie Shah Dance Troupe first launched their annual celebration of the arrival of the first batch of East Indians to the then British Guiana. The Shah family, being direct descendants of Indian indentured labourers, remained dedicated to honouring their roots though music, drama, poetry and, later, dance.  The idea came to life following a conference at the University of West Indies, as the administration celebrated the arrival of East Indians to Trinidad. It was at this event that Nadira Shah was invited to perform, and her stellar presentation of the classical Kathak dance inspired the concept that such national productions can be done in Guyana. As such, the Shah family went on to stage the first ever Nrityageet in the year 1979 at Queen’s College, after which it was moved to the National Cultural Centre, where it remains to date.

Seeta Shah Roath, one of the Shah’s sisters and organisers of the annual cultural event, as well as director of the troupe, vividly recollected when the inaugural Nrityageet was held.

“The idea was to remember our ancestors by highlighting the cultural traditions that have been passed down,” Shah explained.

She pointed out that initially the focus was on classical Indian music and dance, but over the years the production has evolved to include poetry and dramatic presentations, as well as folk dances inspired by the “plantation society” and modern presentations. Shah added what started out as a tribute to Indian culture has eventually diversified to include influences and fusions of other ethnicities within the multicultural society of Guyana.

“New dancers are joining all the time, learning and exploring the world of dance, learning from the greatest while adding their flair for the modern and different. Nadira Shah Berry, Suzanne Shah Nilsson, and Rewattie Datt DaCosta are also currently training new dancers in traditional and modern dance, as they explore new trends and create new experiences. We are exploring futuristic dance theatre with ballet and modern dancers blended with influences of traditional styles with the best dancers in Guyana, exploring new frontiers in the art form,” Shah expressed.The troupe has performed for national and international programmes such as the Inter-Guiana Cultural Festival, CARIFESTA, World Expo and many other programmes in India, Europe, UK, U.S.A., the Caribbean, Latin America and around the world.  With Nrityageet being in existence for 38 years, the presentations have been recognised internationally for its high standards in dance theatre in Europe and the United States, earning them the prestigious Madame Iffel Award of Barbados for the “Best Traditional Dance”.

The Guyana Theatre Arts Awards also recognised this troupe for its “Exceptional Diligence in the Pursuit of Excellence,” for “Best Dance Production” in 2004, 2003, 2000, 1998, and 1999; “Best Costumes” in 2003, 2002, 2000, and 1997; “Best Sets” in 2003, 2004. Most significantly, the Nadira and Indranie Shah Dance Troupe received the Medal of Service (a National Award) for “Sustained and Outstanding Contribution to the Cultural Mosaic of Guyana”, and the New York Folk Festival Award for “Long and Sustained Dance Productions of Excellence”.

The celebration of the history and contributions of our Indian ancestors to the evolution of the diversified Guyanese society continues this year as the 38th production of Nrityageet is being held on May 6 and 7, 2017 at the National Cultural Centre.

The diverse dance theatre experience, which echoes the traditional values of Indo-Guyanese culture through the performing arts, is this year being staged under the theme, “Our Heritage, Our Treasures – Celebrating the Arrival of All Peoples”. The event promises a colourful recollection of history while at the same time showcasing the diversity, creativity and accomplishments of modern Guyanese society.