Fresno State’s CineCulture film series presents a different experience this week when Nari, a global, multi-generational, multimedia live performance, is presented at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7, in the Peters Educations Center Auditorium. The free, public performance features Gingger Shankar, grandniece of renowned sitar player Ravi Shankar and the eldest daughter of violinist Dr. L. Subramanian. They will be joined by drummer Carlo Ribaux, percussionist Pirashanna Thevarajah and multi-instrumentalist Vivek Maddala with animation by Indian contemporary artist Loren Schneider. Nari documents the unsung story of Shankar’s mother and grandmother, Viji and Lakshmi Shankar, two artists who helped bring Indian music to the West in the 1970s through their collaborations with Ravi Shankar and Beatles member George Harrison. Following the performance, Shankar and the other performers will discuss the program. Coordinated by Dr. Joan Sharma, art professor, the performance is co-sponsored by the Department of Art and Design in the College of Arts and Humanities at Fresno State. Sharma said Shankar’s performance incorporates a blend of hip-hop and high-energy solos with classical Hindustani music. Conceptualized in 2013 and followed by recordings and filming in India, the United Kingdom and the U.S., Nari premiered at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival in Canada. Its U.S. premiere came at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival. Parking is free on weekends, beginning at 4 p.m. on Fridays. INFO: Dr. Mary Husain at mhusain@csufresno.edu or visit the CineCulture website. See original CineCulture press release.
