Members of Asian Students In Action (ASIA) twisted and twirled in celebration of Diwali in the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts’ Rigas Family Theatre Wednesday.
Diwali is an ancient autumn festival practiced in the Hindu tradition that typically spans over a five-day period. While there are many customs associated with the celebration, its main purpose is to celebrate the triumph of positivity and light over negativity and darkness. This is the first time that ASIA’s annual performance has been held during the actual holiday.
Starting with the opening dance of “Kahaani: An Adventure Through Asia,” audience members were introduced to Prince Peter, played by junior modern languages major Peter Bertoldo, and Princess Megan, played by senior biology major Megan Cross. Throughout the show, attendees watched Prince Peter travel through Asia to find Princess Megan, who he lost to a jealous kidnapper as the first dance concluded.
As Prince Peter stopped by a number of countries along his quest, audience members got a taste of the different dance styles and traditions of various geographic regions. The show effectively used short dialogues and monologues, highlighting Prince Peter’s journey, in order to transition into each new and exciting dance segment.
Some dance styles included classical, Bollywood contemporary and belly dancing. Each dance number was also performed to the sounds of different geographic region’s classic and modern music.
The nearly two-hour-long performance featured multi-colored lighting, traditional and modernized cultural garb and precise choreography. New dance numbers were welcomed with the audience’s attentive silence and praised at their conclusion with an uproar of applause. Likewise, each new number welcomed updated stage lighting and costume changes.
Every cast member was included in at least one dance number and, interestingly, it was nearly impossible to tell veteran dancers and choreographers from the newest ASIA members. The performers glowed with brilliant smiles, effortlessly hitting their marks and, occasionally, singing along to the captivating music that complemented their moves.
Although the program centered on ASIA, both the SBU Step Team and SBU Hip Hop took the stage, delivering productions worthy of audience esteem. Both teams, dressed in all black, provided the show’s most modernized, urban dance styles—which served as an interesting contrast to the show’s focus on traditional dances.
While the step team created its own original sounds, stomping and slapping to make varying beats, SBU Hip Hop performed over the sounds of a pulsating track.
The show also featured the debut performance of ASIA’s acapella group, which is a new addition to the on-campus club this year. Although two singers led the group, standing upfront and illuminated by the dazzling stage lights, the entire group worked together to deliver, yet another, awe inspiring performance of both “Jee La Zaraa,” originally performed by Talaash, and “Titanium,” originally performed by David Guetta ft. Sia.
“Kahaani: An Adventure Through Asia” was nothing short of a success. From the different group’s vibrant costuming to the carefully selected stage lighting, not to mention each impeccably executed performance, it’s safe to say I’ll be returning for next year’s installment of ASIA’s annual performance.
mcgurllt14@bonaventure.edu
