Sangita Lakhanpal creates operas based on ancient Hindu mantras or poems: she believes these mantras can reconnect her audience to nature at a profound, unconscious level. Unlike in traditional opera, Sangita’s artform invites the audience to take part and join in chanting these charged, ancient words. The mantras evoke feelings, which woven into a story creates a moving group experience. Those who’ve taken part are often transformed, and emerge feeling ‘re-tuned’ to the rhythms and cycle of nature. Sangita’s current opera focuses on the Hindu deity, Durga, a goddess of Nature and protective mother of the universe. The work is above all a celebration, and the feelings of bliss that are evoked bring healing and wellbeing.
