Himadri Madan: The Gaze – you, me us and them

Afternoon Performance 2pm to 3pm
Evening Performance 4pm to 5pm

Combining vocabulary derived from Indian classical dance with live music and spoken word, The Gaze - you, me, us and them is an interactive dance and film installation exploring society’s critical gaze on women’s bodies. 

An evocative new performance by Edinburgh-based choreographer and dancer Himadri Madan, The Gaze - you, me, us and them blends the traditional form Kathak, and contemporary movement, with spoken word, to explore the experience of existing as a woman under society’s ever-present, critical gaze.

This unique event combines an interactive film installation with a powerful live solo performance, accompanied by live music from Ankna Arockiam, musician and lecturer at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Together, they create an immersive space that invites audiences to reflect on their own experiences of navigating, resisting, and conforming to power structures that shape ideas of shame, modesty, and perfection.

Inspired by Mahasweta Devi’s Draupadi, the work delves into the intersections of caste, class, gender, and body politics, revealing the tension between resistance and conformity.

Recommended for ages 14+

Audience notes
This production includes audience participation and themes of physical or emotional abuse in regards to race, sexuality, and  gender.

There is mention of violence against women.

Text passing quickly across a screen may have the same effect as flashing lights for some.

Walking is required during the performance, to view and engage with the exhibition element of the show.

ACCESS
For the first 20 minutes of the performance, the audience is invited to be mobile, interacting with the installation and watching a series of short films. Due to the layout, no seating can be provided for audience members to sit to view the films. They may sit on seating provided in the seating bank should they no longer be able to stand, but view of the films will be obstructed by a transparent cloth. 

The second portion of the performance is seated, but the audience may exit and re-enter. 

There is a relaxed approach to re-entry.