Dance Production

It’s time for remarkable excitement, joy and anticipation for everyone involved with Missile Man, an innovative and creative dance drama, showcasing Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s teachings, work and contributions to the Indian nation and society in general. Especially for Raja Anand, the founder-director of Space Performing Arts, whose brainchild is Missile Man.

The drama has been shortlisted for participation at NSD’s 8th Theatre Olympics 2018. NSD is an autonomous Institute of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and wherein selection committee comprises eminent theatre personalities, scholars and critics from across India.

The Origin of the Project

Raja Anand was privileged to attend an event in 2007 wherein Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was the chief guest, and delivered a short speech. The speech impressed him so much that he was compelled to know more about him, his life, his writings, his teachings, and his work.

His study and research on Dr. Kalam inspired him to carry forward his message, his vision that envisages a better life for the citizens of India – through the media that he knows the best – the performing arts.

Speaking to Indian Sounds & Steps, Anand said, “The objective of the Missile Man project is to educate mainly those who have had no access or knowledge of his ideologies. The series will also be a glowing tribute to Dr. Kalam, acknowledging his contributions and services to the country.

The Missile Man Project is an attempt to portray an exciting artistic blend of both the Indian and Western worlds.

After impressing art lovers and critics alike with its creative dance drama ‘Missile Man’ that was selected for participation at National School of Drama's (NSD) 8th Theatre Olympics 2018, dance institute Space Performing Arts is now ready with its new ambitious venture - Utho Jaago.

While Missile Man showcased Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s teachings, work and contributions to the Indian society, the new creation ‘Utho Jaago’, will spread the message of Swami Vivekananda, who is regarded as India’s greatest modern-day philosopher, social reformist and spiritual leader.

The Relevance of the Swami’s Teachings Today

But how relevant are the teachings of Swami Vivekananda, who breathed his last over a century ago, in today’s times? “Very much,” says Raja Anand, the founder-director of Space Performing Arts, “Today, our country is going through trying times as far as social harmony is concerned. Almost on a daily basis, you come across the distressing incidents, including killings, in a bid to suppress and exploit the very identities of different sections of peoples.

“The need of the hour for all well-meaning citizens of our country is to do their bit to advance social harmony of our country. And I believe spreading the message of love and brotherhood, propounded by Swami Vivekananda, can play a crucial role in this cause,” emphasizes Anand.

Though Anand would love audiences of all ages to watch Utho Jaago, all the creative aspects of the play, have been conceived to delight the youth, especially college and school students. After all, with their impressionable minds, drive and energy, they have the potential to take forward Swami Vivekananda teachings in their respective spheres, believes Anand.

Catering to the Tastes of the Youth

Just like Anand’s experimentations with modern technology and on-stage techniques for Missile Man, Utho Jaggo too has an impressive dose of these features He has worked for months to create on the stage, a spectacle of lights and shadows, mirrors, display of books, outstanding backdrops justifying the theme, and dancers showcasing their art through games and mutual interactions, among others.

All these will be accentuated through the performers showcasing a stimulating blend of both the Indian and Western performing arts – a combination that Anand specializes in. These performers have been under the tutelage of Anand for over 3 months, to master different arts forms, as demanded by the Utho Jaago script.

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