Now Reading: Kolkata Kali dance show sparks apology after outrage
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Kolkata Kali dance show sparks apology after outrage
The organisers of a dance recital in Kolkata that portrayed Goddess Kali have apologised after the costume worn by a performer drew objections from viewers and social media users. The performance, staged…
The Story in Brief
The organisers of a dance recital in Kolkata that portrayed Goddess Kali have apologised after the costume worn by a performer drew objections from viewers and social media users. The performance, staged on August 8 at Mohit Mancha by the group Nitya, Faculty of Sight, showed the deity with unruly long hair, garlands, jewellery and little else. The organisers said they had no prior knowledge of the costume and promised stricter checks in future, calling the incident 'unsightly and undesirable'.
The video, uploaded by Brut, triggered debate between artistic expression and religious sensitivities. Traditionally, Goddess Kali is depicted wearing bones or a tiger skin. The organisers added that the choreography was the artist's creative decision.
The Indian Opinion
The Kali costume row in Kolkata is being framed as a clash between art and faith, but both sides often miss nuance. The organisers' apology seems a weak attempt to avoid responsibility, claiming ignorance of a dancer's attire in a planned show is unconvincing. Meanwhile, outrage over 'inappropriate clothing' overlooks that Hindu iconography varies widely. The real test lies ahead: will future productions simply self-censor, or will artists and audiences agree on clear guidelines for depicting deities on stage?
Source: siasat.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
