Aarthiee

Arati Kushwaha (facilitator of this programme) created “Titiksha- The Endurance of suffering” The project is designed to highlight the benefits of inclusion across the cultures of our country by bringing people together using performing art and Textile art. We want to highlight to a new generation how things of the past are still current, and we can relate to them. The philosophy behind this programme is drawn from Jacqueline Leckie’s writing and publications. Jacqueline has such wisdom and experience. her book Invisible: New Zealand's History of Excluding Kiwi-Indians has findings that will be used in this series to help a new generation understand.

The performance and textile work will be used as a tool to address discrimination, utilising what brings our ancestors and our current generation together to challenge established ideas and prejudices. We want attendees to find solutions. Our programme (Titiksha translates from Hindi as "endurance without anxiety") the result of the workshops will be a multidimensional performance piece using the disciplines of music, dance, and textile work exploring the experiences of South Asians who immigrated to New Zealand and through this work help to enrich the lives of those involved and the wider community. Textile art will suggest new visual possibilities when incorporated with performing art. The programme coordinator is aiming to explore the possibilities of collaboration.

Artist Arati Kushwaha and Classical Dancer Swaroopa Unni will weave their styles together to create a performance art piece The creative process will include the development of visual imagery, and movement as the artist and choreographer share ideas based on participants' experiences.