The High Commission of India in South Africa and Teamwork Productions is proud to present the Shared History, the Indian Experience festival 2011 - a celebration of contemporary and classical music, dance, literature, theatre and food during 3 - 24 September in Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Durban.

The Festival showcases the finest and most exceptional that the Indian culture has to offer, and provides an avenue for dialogue and collaborative work exchange between India and South Africa. The High Commissioner of India, Virendra Gupta, says, “The Shared History Festival is a unique celebration of plurality and the common heritage of India and South Africa. Over the years it has become a platform to showcase the best music, theatre, dance and food from India.”

Now celebrating its fifth year in South Africa the Shared History 2011 festival will again delight, amaze, entertain and enthral audiences.

On offer for the Durban leg of the Festival are three highlights - the Primetime Theatre Company’s Dance like a Man, contemporary dance by Rhythm Divine and the mesmerising music of Rajasthan Josh:

For music-lovers: a mesmerising performance of Rajasthan Josh, which combines the folk traditions of Rajasthan. Kutla Khan, Nathoo Solanki, Chuggee Khan and the enchanting Patricia, use instruments like the Morchang, Bhapang Khartaal, Double flute, Nagara and Bamboo Flute and incorporate vocal styles ranging from the mystic Sufi traditions, bhajans and popular folk songs of Rajasthan. The performance will be interspersed with captivating dances like the Chari Dance, Kalbelia (Snake charmers’ dance) and Terah Taali. Catch them at the Blue Lagoon on Saturday, 10 September at 8pm. Entrance is free.

For theatre-lovers: Mahesh Dattani’s Dance like a Man will be presented at The Playhouse Company on 13 and 14 September at 8pm. The story of Jairaj and Ratna, two Bharatnatyam dancers past their prime, is contrasted with that of their daughter Lata, who is on the brink of establishing herself as a brilliant dancer. Her imminent success creates tension and jealousy, and the audience is drawn into the dark secrets of family relationships and conflicts between generations. The play probes the surface of the characters to question their deeper motivations, but the mode is comic rather than tragic, even though the concerns are serious, and you are never sure whether to laugh or cry. It is produced and directed by Lillete Dubey.

And dance-lovers can enjoy the world-renowned Astad Deboo’s Rhythm Divine at The Playhouse Company, from 15 to 17 September at 8pm. Rhythm Divine believes dance is a system of ideas and together with music can enrich the moral, the material and the intellectual. Deboo walks the perimeter with eight Manipuri Thang-Ta dancers to create a universe. The result is a work that records the traces and clues of things to come. Thang-Ta, The Art of the Sword and Spear, is an exciting dance form that has been adapted from the ancient martial arts form of Manipur, in North East India. Deboo belongs to the honourable company of Ruth St. Denis, Lester Horton and Astad Daforan who have combed through world cultures for material they could fruitfully combine with tradition.

The Shared History Festival has become a brand in its own right and is seen as an integral part of the South African cultural calendar.

Anil K Sharan, Consul General of India, Durban says, “Five years ago, Teamwork Productions built a unique cultural bridge between South Africa and India with an exemplary partnership between public and private instructions in both countries. Today, the festival has become the most important and sought-after cultural event in South Africa. I am proud to be associated with the 5th edition of ‘Shared History- the Indian Experience’ – a festival of music, dance and theatre, as it  has brought the artistes of two countries closer, besides entertaining  the art lovers of the multi-ethnic society of South Africa – the Rainbow Nation.”

Sanjoy Roy of Teamwork Productions and Festival director says, “Now in its fifth year Shared History will be a unique celebration of ideas and content, presented in a spirit of collaboration between South African companies and those from India. Shared History is a platform for the arts which transcend language, social barriers and art forms.”

The 2011 Shared History Festival’s main sponsors are First National Bank (FNB), Jet Airways, City of Johannesburg, and Incredible India. The associate sponsors are Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), Jindal, TaTa Africa, Rosy Blue and Bank of Baroda. Media partners are Zee TV, eTV, Sunrise and The Rising Sun. The Festival’s official printer is Shereno Printers cc.

Bookings at Computicket - 0861 915 8000 / www.computicket.com / outlets.  For further information visit the Shared History website www.sharedhistory.co.in and www.teamworkfilms.com.