Cultural fest on India's performing art attracts massive public

Bonn, May 24 (UNI) The nine-day Biennale Bonn cultural festival, which concluded here, has been a resounding success as it generated an interest in India's contemporary performing arts here.

Festival director Klaus Weise told UNI the public response to the presentation of India's cultural diversity far exceeded the expectations of the organisers.

Several theatre, dance and music performances were sold out and other shows well-attended. There had also been a huge interest among the public to visit various art and photographic exhibitions, participate in podium discussions and symposiums, watch Indian films and listen to renowned Indian authors after reading their works.

As many as 80 different performances, concerts and other events were held at the festival's main venue, 'the Bonn Opera House', and at over 20 theatres, museums and auditoriums all over the city.

These included 13 theatre productions, five dance performances, eight concerts and four literary events. There were also two photo exhibitions, a film and video programme on India by the German artist Julian Rosfeldt, three podium discussions, a symposium at the Bonn University and screening of three feature films and ten documentary films.

The Herman contribution to the Biennale such as 'Satyagraha', an Opera Bonn production of the masterpiece by Philip Glass, 'Bonnbay,' a dance production by two choreographers of the Theater Bonn, an exhibition of paintings by a group of artists from Bonn and its surroundings documenting and a sound light show on India by two German artists were also very popular among the visitors.

According to the preliminary estimates of the organiser, over 10,000 people visited the theatre, exhibitions and attended dance and music performances and film programmes. However, the overall number of vistors would be much higher if one takes into account those who attended the oper-air concerts, podium discussions and other events where the public had free access.

The discussions, which took place after various performances, also generated good interest among the public.

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