Surface Tension Podcast – Episode 1: Configurations
2019 marked the 30th anniversary of Shobana Jeyasingh Dance. To celebrate we produced a series of podcasts exploring Shobana’s work, her pioneering vision and her contribution to the UK’s cultural landscape.
Join Guardian Dance critic Sanjoy Roy as he interviews Shobana, company dancers and collaborators to examine the themes and inspiration behind her adventurous work. We delve into the archives to find out how Shobana’s choreography did (or didn’t) fit into the dance scene 30 years ago, her research and creative processes, dance styles and the alternative path she has taken from the outset of her career.
Watch all episodes of the Surface Tension podcast on our You Tube channel.
Episode 1. Configurations
‘System, meet system.’ When Shobana Jeyasingh met Michael Nyman.
Sanjoy Roy speaks to choreographer Shobana Jeyasingh and composer Michael Nyman to get their take on how the Configurations collaboration came about. Each share memories about the process, research and how they combined contrasting elements of Western contemporary music and Indian classical music.
Shobana tells how the relationship between choreographer and composer was all about communicating patterns of rhythm, in this instance, with no shared musical history and details the challenges of representing Bharatha Natyam dance via a string quartet.
After first hearing Michael’s score Shobana recounts her initial impressions, running around the sound world trying to find information that dancers needed. We hear how the piece finally came together with choreography and music and how it evolved into quartet, via a trio. Shobana talks through the balancing act between the visuals and the richness of the music.
Presented by Sanjoy Roy
Produced by Melissa FitzGerald