Media release

23 September 2014

Award-winning international performers at Auckland Diwali Festival

Renowned international performers the Sattriya Dance Theatre Group will light up the stage at Aotea Square during this year’s Auckland Diwali Festival celebrations on October 11 and 12.

The Sattriya Dance Theatre group from Assam is led by Dr. Menaka Bora, an award-winning soloist, choreographer and ethnomusicologist who has specialised in this dance form from the age of two.

Dr. Bora - who is currently an artist-in-residence at Oxford University - and Sattriya Dance Theatre will perform a Diwali piece depicting the triumph of good over evil through the battle of Lord Rama and the demon king Ravana.

They will join over 800 local artists who are performing at Auckland Diwali Festival, providing a wonderful spectacle of classical and contemporary music, dance and culture to festival goers.

Chief Executive of Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED), Brett O’Riley, says it is a privilege to be able to showcase local and international talent at this year’s festival.

“The Auckland Diwali Festival is an important part of our region’s event calendar, and a great opportunity for Aucklanders and visitors of all ethnic backgrounds to experience a much-loved Indian cultural tradition.
“Cultural festivals like Diwali contribute to Auckland becoming the world’s most liveable city by celebrating our cultural diversity and bringing a real buzz to the city centre.”

Auckland Diwali Festival is presented by ATEED in partnership with Asia New Zealand Foundation. International performers will also be visiting Meadowbank School, Owairaka District School and Favona School – which are all members of the Asia New Zealand Foundation’s Schools Network – in Auckland on Tuesday, October 14.

Foundation Director of Culture Jennifer King says the schools programme is a crucial part of the Diwali Festival.

“It gives New Zealand children the chance to meet international artists face to face and learn about an aspect of Indian culture outside their everyday experience. Teachers also tell us it gives students of Indian heritage an opportunity to share their culture with their classmates.”

For more information about Auckland Diwali Festival go to aucklandnz.com/diwali or visit the What’s on in Auckland Facebook page for the latest news and competitions.

The sponsors and supporters of Auckland Diwali Festival are Air New Zealand, Barfoot & Thompson, Fairfax Media, iHeartRadio, Indian Weekender, India Tourism, Mithai, Radio Tarana, AIA New Zealand, Love NZ, Ntec Tertiary Group, Western Union and The Better Drinks Company.

ENDS

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