Sarvavidya dance ensemble uses ancient Indian dance to address climate change

The Sarvavidya Dance Ensemble is preparing a new production called Bhūmi 2 to be performed at the Lesedi Theatre in Johannesburg on 13 and 14 November.

The group uses Bharatanatyam, an ancient Indian dance form, to explore contemporary global issues such as climate change, inequality, and technological power. The ensemble includes professional dancers and community members with diverse careers, including a pharmacist, an actuary, and a social justice activist.

They developed the new work in a primary school classroom in Lenasia, a community south of Johannesburg. The production features a dialogue of motion between a character representing the Earth and a character representing the human conscience. Activist Kavisha Pillay scripted much of the new production. The ensemble aims to ensure that classical dance remains a living tradition rather than just a preserved heritage.

The performance will include guest artists and a combination of music, poetry, and visual elements to engage with the audience.