Contemporary by its nature and spiritual at its core, Odissi is a classical dance tradition born in the temples of Odisha, eastern India, more than 2000 years ago. Its chorus of grounded yet flowing movements has captured the attention of many a dancer, in India and abroad  since its emergence from the temples into mainstream Indian culture. A dance form that was at the door of near extinction seventy years ago it has been resurrected with great labour of love by Late Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra, Adi Guru Pankaj Charan Das, Late Guru Deba Prasad das, Guru Mayadhar Mansingh and numerous scholars, musicians, and dance historians. Owing to its popularity an art form used primarily as a temple prayer now is showcased as group performances and cultural extravaganzas. The simplicity of interconnection between the dancer and the audience has been lost in translation.

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Playing Odissi aspires to recapture the depth and vulnerability of the solo artist and rejoice in the rhythmic interplay of duets. Over two evenings, the Sohamasmi Centre for Performing Arts will present a rare pairing of internationally acclaimed Odissi dancers - Monica Singh Sangwan from Melbourne and Vishnu Tattva Das from San Francisco. Along with up and coming young evolving and exuberant Melbourne based Odissi artists Lillian Warrum and Kavisha Alles.