Schools must recognise non-European cultural forms of expressions

Schools must recognise non-European cultural forms of expressions

- DEVI RAJAB

DURBAN has a rich culture of Afro-Indian and English traditions rarely appreciated and hardly acknowledged outside of one’s cultural orbit. So when great events happen they do so in cultural silos.

The Playhouse in Durban this week had an unusual audience of indentured offspring from the South Indian Tamil and Telugu communities, all bedecked in richly coloured silk saris known as Kanjivarum-named after the part of India where this silk is spun and woven into 6 metres of wearable garments. These saris are considered to be as valuable as gold. They had come together to witness a young girl’s coming of age through dance and music. This auspicious occasion is a celebration of the glory of a great tradition of an ancient culture rarely known or appreciated outside of its cultural ambit. An Arangetram is a significant event in the life of a classical Indian Bharatanatyam dancer, as it marks the end of training and the beginning of a career.