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Malti Patel of Apsara Arts initiated a community stage at the very first Croydon Mela in 1997. Since then she has continually contributed to the development of the Mela making it the most successful outdoor event in south London attracting over 20000 audiences. It gave a platform to professional and local artist to share their talents to diverse audience and increase more understanding of Asian Arts.
Mela Rung Zone was partnered with Emergency Exit Arts at Croydon Mela at Waddon Park in July 2019.
It showcased multi-disciplinary contemporary & traditional storytelling techniques.
The four feature areas; the Bridge of Stories, a central growing installation made of stories from people across Croydon; the stage programmed with performers of dance, spoken word & poetry; the World of Imagination tent, home to up-close interactive performances and workshops in music, dance & drawing.
Apsara Arts presented Magic Mela Story Camp in partnership with Emergency Exit Arts at Waddon Park.
The programme celebrated the art of storytelling from across the Asian diaspora including cross-art form performances and activities using oral traditions, puppetry, pictorial forms, dance and music in a highly decorative enclosure demarcated by specially created totems, small marquees and stages. It contained a range of activities, performances and interactions.
Dussehra Arts in partnership with Emergency Exit Arts produced outreach work with schools & community to create traditional arts in contemporised form to reach out to the wider community.
The outreach programme was followed by joining the Croydon International Mela by creating a Apsara arts Family Zone with performances, family workshops & decorating of Ravana. The Family Area was brought to close with the dancers procession & drummers around the family zone and the final animation of Ravana using pyrotechnic effects.
Wandsworth Council is bringing Diwali event on the High street and Apsara Arts are delighted to be supporting with programming and showcasing Indian dances bringing diverse communities to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights
