Kattam Katti - Pagrav Dance Company

Kattam Katti (meaning Cutting Through in English) is an exquisite piece of modern dance theatre rooted in the Indian Kathak dance tradition. There are eight performers - four dancers and four musicians. The musicians play specially composed music live and are integral to the show as they move around the dancers and interact with them.

The show transports its audience to Uttarayan, the world-famous kite festival that takes place in Gujarat, North India. Tales of competition, danger, excitement and unity are vividly brought to life in a joyous, colourful and uplifting show.

This neo classical work has a distinctly contemporary feel developed out of the South Asian dance tradition. Tapping into the chaos, creativity and colour of the kite festival, Kattam Katti brings to life the excitement of Uttarayan with lyricism, drama and exquisite technique. It illustrates the highs, lows, loves and losses of lives that are lived out among the festivities.

The show is suitable for all ages and backgrounds and runs for 60 minutes with no interval.

Choreographed by Urja Desai Thakore (BBC Young Dancer choreographer) and based on her personal observations of the festival and Gujarati heritage, kite flying becomes a metaphor for the inequalities of privilege in societies and in the corporate world.
Kattam Katti is performed by a new generation of British dancers of Indian heritage. Pagrav Dance Company is highly committed to nurturing the next generation by providing a supportive platform for emerging dancers.

‘a striking and exquisite work, Kattam Katti is the antidote we all need in the current climate’
Maya Pinder, The Insanity in Dancing on an early sharing

‘a work of lightness that rides the wind-soaked eddies; the crack team of musicians combine to elevate the work to a higher realm’ Ian Abbott, author, curator, academic on an early sharing

‘Pagrav Dance Theatre's latest show Kattam Katti is rich and beautifully layered, and is sure to engage both new and existing audiences. The interplay between dance, music and narrative is deftly woven and perfectly balanced, and the brilliantly designed piece is engaging, moving and playful.’
Matt Burman, Artistic Director & Chief Executive, Cambridge Junction