When Cultural Studies meets 'Cultural evening' compering

Recently I was asked to compere the so called 'cultural evening' at the second day of the 7th International Whitehead Conference held at our university. Reluctantly though, I accepted it. But I could not bring myself to repeat the cliche'd and problematic ways in which the 'traditional' and dances have been talked about. My exposure the cultural studies had radically changed my received notions of culture. Hence, I set out to create a script, informed by developments in cultural studies in India.

Although there were nine dances, the script does not use words like folk, classical, ancient and instead tries to be matter of fact by drawing upon contemporary research on these forms. For the programme I evolved the title 'showcasing India through the performative traditions and practes'. Although, retrospectively I see one or two slips, on the whole it comes across to me as a unique attempt. I wish the readers will carry this experiment ahead.

Of course, I am grateful to my co-compere but for whose open mindedness and unconditional support the script would not have been realized.

Please click here for the compereing script