Kathak artists Labonee Mohanta and Anjali Nath will premiere their full-length production HALF, exploring self-discovery and the complexities of human nature, in September 2026.
Kathak artists Labonee Mohanta and Anjali Nath are set to premiere their full-length production, HALF, a dynamic duet that delves into self-discovery, human nature, and the daily struggles arising from the conflict between our inner selves. The premiere is scheduled for Friday, September 25, 2026, in Boston, followed by a performance in the San Francisco Bay Area on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at the Village Theatre in Danville, California.
HALF is a work that encapsulates the human experience, exploring the opposing impulses, desires, and identities that coexist within individuals. Through the collaboration of two powerful artistic voices, intricate rhythms, and expressive movements, the production invites audiences to look inward and confront the many “halves” of their own identities.
Rooted in the sophisticated rhythmic language of Kathak, HALF is constructed around intricate half-beat rhythmic cycles. The production employs rhythm, movement, theatricality, and live Indian classical music to examine the opposing forces that exist within each person—control and impulse, order and chaos, restraint and indulgence, softness and strength.
Performed as a duet, Mohanta and Nath embody opposing forces, with their contrasting energies and movement qualities bringing the internal struggle to life on stage. Their characters continuously challenge, mirror, and transform one another, creating a physical representation of the conflict between different sides of the self.
While deeply rooted in the traditions of Kathak, HALF approaches the form through a contemporary theatrical lens. The work showcases the extraordinary rhythmic sophistication of this ancient Indian classical dance tradition while exploring universal experiences—identity, conflict, desire, control, and the ongoing journey toward self-understanding. For South Asian American audiences and arts enthusiasts, the production highlights the continued evolution and vital presence of classical Indian art forms within the American cultural landscape.
Excerpts of HALF have been presented over the past two years, including a notable performance at the New York Kathak Festival in 2025. After an extended period of development and performance, Mohanta and Nath are now ready to present HALF as a full-length production.
The premieres will feature live Indian classical musicians, fostering an immediate connection between the dancers and the music, allowing the intricate rhythmic architecture of the work to unfold in real-time.
The Boston premiere will take place on Friday, September 25, 2026, at 8:00 PM at The Dance Complex in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The San Francisco Bay Area premiere is scheduled for Sunday, September 27, 2026, at 4:30 PM at the Village Theatre in Danville, California. The Danville performance will also include opening acts by students from the Lavanya Academy of Indian Arts, providing audiences with a glimpse of the next generation of Kathak artists before the full-length production begins.
Both Mohanta and Nath are senior disciples of the late legendary Kathak maestro Pandit Chitresh Das, one of the most influential Kathak artists of his generation. Their shared artistic lineage informs the rhythmic depth and theatrical vocabulary of HALF, while their individual artistic voices contribute contrasting perspectives to the work.
Mohanta, who serves as the Artistic Director of Lavanya Academy of Indian Arts in California, trained directly with Pandit Chitresh Das for over two decades. Her work is celebrated for its powerful rhythmic expression, dynamic footwork, fast pirouettes, and the exploration of Kathak through cross-cultural collaborations and improvisation.
Nath, the founder and artistic director of Kathak Khelna in Boston, also trained under Pandit Chitresh Das. Her artistic approach combines the traditional vocabulary of Kathak with contemporary performance and storytelling techniques.
According to a press release, the full-length production of HALF promises to be a compelling exploration of the complexities of human nature and identity, showcasing the rich heritage of Kathak while also pushing the boundaries of the art form.