Even if one is relatively unfamiliar with St. Bonaventure University ASIA, or Asian American and Pacific Islander Students In Action Club, it is unlikely that many people have missed the numerous posters for “Indrajaal: The Story of Aladdin.” On Monday at 7:30p.m., the group will be celebrating the festival of Diwali with an event at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts.
The festival of Diwali originates on the Indian subcontinent and is widely celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists. Under its common nickname, the “Festival of Lights,” Diwali is a celebration of both a metaphoric “light’s victory over darkness” in the world, as well as knowledge, inspiration and wisdom.
Organizers of the event have described its multicultural nature, in addition to Indian tradition.
“SBU ASIA is comprised of members from varying ethnicities that are committed to representing their heritages,” said the club’s official statement. “Choreography unique to a variety of Asian cultures, including Korean and Indian, will be represented through dances including Kathak/Garba, KPop, Bellydancing, Bollywood Contemporary, Classical and Bhangra.”
Additionally, the theme of this year’s celebration is “Aladdin,” which both refers to the 1992 animated Disney film, and the 2019 remake of the same name.
“The show involves acting, characters and music from the original movie and its remake, depicting the classic love story between Aladdin and Jasmine and the antics of the Genie, intermixed with modern humor,” the Club stated.
Anyone who wishes to attend the event can purchase tickets in the Quick Center, with a price of $5 for general admission and $3 for students with valid SBU IDs. The SBU ASIA Club extends its invitations to the entire student populous in celebrating Diwali with them Monday evening.
By Tucker Reilly, Staff Writer
reillyt19@bonaventure.edu
