[SS24]
Manu is a multifaceted exploration of Anuj's cultural identity as a first-gen Indian-American. Through dance and film, he delves into his diverse musical background, creating interconnected self-portraits in an evening-length performance.
Time moves through many abstractions of reality, distorting creation, transformation and destruction through dreams, people, our subconscious or even places; what does it mean to be one in a place of many?
//for Anuj Bhutani’s Manu
//as part of Oracle Egg’s experimental performance residency program
//After Effects
//Premiere Pro
//Touchdesigner
//Film and Live Experience
fr_m_d by______________________________________________Eilythia Penati & johans.
With the support of___________________________________Movement in Motion
Direction, Photography, Writing & Production_______johans.
Co-Production, Photography & Writing_______________Eilythia Penati
Co-Production, Photography & Choreography_______Lindsay Lykins
Additional Photography_______________________________Amy Pham
Fashion Design & Styling_____________________________Mika Sharderbakova
_________________________________________________________Angie Rockey
_________________________________________________________Jenny Peihan Yu
Performance___________________________________________Anuj Bhutani
_________________________________________________________Janae Holster
_________________________________________________________Leeann Ross
_________________________________________________________Arjun Kochhar
_________________________________________________________Jonah Tran
_________________________________________________________Ambar Matos Ortiz
_________________________________________________________Samiyah Norris
_________________________________________________________Tamar Gabelev
_________________________________________________________Sadie Grace Shelbourne
_________________________________________________________Emily Liu
_________________________________________________________Aristotle Hartzell
_________________________________________________________Ellery Donlon
_________________________________________________________SLATERROSE
_________________________________________________________Leon Powell
Live Production Design_______________________________Karla Huazano
Live Photography______________________________________Kathryn Luo
//Music
All music composed and performed by Anuj Bhutani in collaboration with:
Violin on II-IV. and XI._______________________________________Madeline Hocking
Tabla on II-V._________________________________________________Neelamjit Dhillon
Additional vocals on I-III., V., and featured vocals on XI.__Alice TM
Guitar on II.___________________________________________________Dustin Carlson
Guitar on III.__________________________________________________Michael Alexander
Trumpet on II-III._____________________________________________Chris Van Leeuwen
Co-writer and production on XI.______________________________Dan Langa
[THE PROJECT]
Multidisciplinary in essence, this expansive project unveils the procedural and ambitious experimentation of dance, film, and live performance. After talking with Anuj, we were determined to bring something new and fresh to the stage. Although movement has always been part of my medium, my early experiments with dance in [A Shade of Light] and my work on [Nuwarii] convinced me that dance had to be included in this project. I spoke with Lindsay, my housemate and a very talented dancer and choreographer, who was excited to choreograph for the diverse and challenging styles Manu proposed. We collaborated to realize the visions Eylithia and I had written and to expand the project's visual language.
Throughout a long semester of producing films and stage performances, we managed to shoot in more than ten locations, conduct a live rehearsal, organize a fundraiser event, and pack Oracle Egg’s stage. As the director and head producer, this project challenged my skills not only in the art form but also in balancing school work and personal life.
Throughout a long semester of producing films and stage performances, we managed to shoot in more than ten locations, conduct a live rehearsal, organize a fundraiser event, and pack Oracle Egg’s stage. As the director and head producer, this project challenged my skills not only in the art form but also in balancing school work and personal life.