Mandala South Asian Performing Arts presents the premiere of
Homeward: Movement, Memory, and Moments that Shape History
Saturday, September 20th * 4:00 p.m.
Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts,
915 East 60th Street, Chicago.
Tickets are $45, $25 for students, available at bit.ly/4oFPyxk.
Friday, October 10th * 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Wentz Hall, North Central College
171 East Chicago Avenue, Naperville.
Admission is free; reservations are recommended at eventcombo.com/e/homeward-a-movement-journey-through-migration-identity--belo-76341.
All programming is subject to change.
For information, visit mandalaarts.org.
Mandala South Asian Performing Arts continues its 10th anniversary season with the premiere of Homeward: Movement, Memory, and Moments that Shape History, a movement journey through migration, identity, and belonging. Performances are September 20 at 4 p.m. at the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, 915 East 60th Street, Chicago, and October 10 at 4 and 7 p.m. at North Central College’s Wentz Concert Hall, 171 East Chicago Avenue, Naperville.
A collaboration between Mandala Founding Artistic Director Pranita Nayar and choreographer Kevin Iega Jeff, Homeward blends contemporary, modern, ballet, and African diasporic movement with pedestrian gesture and classical South Asian dance traditions. Homeward is a transformative community-centered dance performance that engages participants of all experience levels—from emerging dancers to seasoned professionals—to share their own migration stories through dance. Musician and storyteller Shanta Nurullah also performs.
In addition to examining the meaning of “home” through the expressive power of movement, Homeward reflects on the historical and emotional impact of two pivotal pieces of U.S. legislation. “This year, 2025, is the 60th anniversary of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, which was an outcome of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,” said Nayar. “The development and production of Homeward is my recognition and respect for the Black community, who paved the way for many immigrants, including those from South Asia, to call the U.S. their home.”
Mandala South Asian Performing Arts, founded by Artistic Director Pranita Nayar, has earned major support from the Joyce Foundation, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts. From classical to contemporary, Mandala connects audiences and students with the vibrancy of the performing arts traditions of South Asia. Mandala offers powerful engagement with specialized artists and educators who represent diverse ethnic, geographical, linguistic, cultural, and gender identities. Mandala South Asian Performing Arts is supported by the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelly Foundation, Chicago Community Trust, Illinois Arts Council Agency, and The Field Foundation of Illinois. Visit mandalaarts.org for more information.