V&A: Performances & Workshops
Storytelling through Elements of Odissi Dance at the V&A
The audience had the chance to experience the creative power of Odissi, one of India’s oldest and most exquisite classical art forms, in an unforgettable pop-up performance and workshop with Kala the Arts back in September at V&A in London.
Premiere Performance – “Listening Deep” (20 minutes)
We performed Listening Deep, a brand-new and original Tribhang choreography by Sushmita Pati. Inspired by the 2,000-year-old South Asian sculptures at the V&A, and many other Odisha-related sculptures and narratives, this work opened a conversation with audiences and celebrates evolving artistry with contemporary expression. Movements created brings to life the stillness of the sculptures, conjuring the meditative energy of Shiva and a well-researched account of the fearless yoginis—deserted goddesses who question their source for belonging. Interwoven is the oldest Odia song on Lord Jagannatha by narrated by Salbeg, an Islamic poet and devotee.
Immersive Music
The original score by Rohan Roy flows across time and tradition, blending classical raagas with unexpected textures. Adding further depth, three celebrated singers bring their unique voices into the compositions–Sangita Panda (Odissi style), Triparna Mukherjee (Hindustani style), and Malathy Nithiyananthan (Carnatic style). Their diverse vocal traditions interlace, showing how Odissi dance moves fluidly through centuries and across cultures, creating and weaving a living dialogue between past and present.
About the choreographer – Sushmita Pati
Sushmita Pati is an Odissi dancer and choreographer with nearly two decades of experience creating Odissi works across the UK and Odisha, India. Renowned for her collaborations with leading museums, she brings history into dialogue with contemporary performance. This choreography draws from sculptures on display at the South Asia Gallery in the V&A, ritual, and lived community memory, opening new pathways for audiences to experience classical Indian dance. Through her work, she also creates greater access for marginalised Odia communities in the UK, ensuring that cultural heritage is celebrated and shared widely.
Family Workshop (30 minutes)
Following the performance, families joined Sushmita and our friendly dancers for a hands-on workshop suitable for all ages. This was a chance to learn the graceful hand gestures to create narratives and self expression, flowing movements, and storytelling techniques of Odissi in an engaging and joyful introduction to this ancient art form.
A Feast for the Senses
Music, myriad movements, rasa, aharya – make up and costumes, with narratives carved in stone brought to life!
Performers & Collaborators
Writer & Lyrics for Yogini: Padmavibhushan Pratibha Ray
Song: Dr. Adhyasha Das
Support: Ramprashad Gunavarapu and SNA Awardee Ratikant Mohapatra
Music Consultant: Dr. Sarojini Raghavan Pati
Singers: Sangita Panda, Triparna Mukherjee, Malathy Nithiyananthan
Flute: Nabanita Chakraborty
Composer: Rohan Roy
Choreographer & Concept: Sushmita Pati
Keep an eye out for any updates that we have for you in 2026!
Thank you
Your submission has been received successfully