because i love the diversity (this micro-attitude, we all have it) by Rakesh Sukesh

A random encounter with a camera on the streets of Tallinn, Estonia made choreographer and dancer Rakesh Sukesh a momentary poster boy for a right wing news channel’s campaign against immigration from Asia and Africa. 

What happens to his body when it is rendered into a viral, racist symbol? How does it affect him, and his relationship to the mostly white, deeply loving artists and students he works with?  

In because i love the diversity (this micro-attitude, we all have it), Rakesh tells the story of his own journey through the powerful semi-improvisational, trance- like movement technique that makes him such an in-demand teacher across the world. What does it mean to make a performance about this for an art festival, which is part of a scene that has only very recently begun to show interest in his work, precisely because of the kind of racism he encountered in Tallinn? 

About the artist

With a career spanning over 25 years, Rakesh Sukesh has captivated audiences worldwide as a versatile performer, choreographer, teacher, and producer.   

His journey through the realms of artistry began in Bollywood dance, where he lent his talents to numerous films in South India. Evolving his craft, Rakesh found a new passion in Contemporary movement art, drawing inspiration from his family’s lineage of yoga and disciplines like Kalarippayattu and other Indian dance forms.

For the past 15 years, he has traversed the globe, immersing himself in diverse cultures and artistic landscapes, shaping his unique perspective and vision. Experience the culmination of Rakesh’s passion, dedication, and global influences in every performance and creation. 

Quotes 

“With humour and honesty, Rakesh Sukesh’s because I love the diversity (this micro-attitude, we all have it) digs into complexities of discrimination and immigration.” 

Stir, Vancouver

“Who proves excellent at deadpan delivery and expressing exhaustion through his eyes. The show’s most moving moments, nevertheless, naturally, come from the ways he moves.” 

The Globe and Mail

Credits: 

In collaboration with   

Dramaturge/Aesthetic Adviser/Choreographic Assistant/ Set design: Alessia Luna Wyss  

Text/acting coach/text dramaturge: Marcus Youssef  

Music: Pol Sinus 

Costume: Mat Voorter 

Management/Distribution/Tour manager: Godlive Lawani–Stane Performing Arts Management  

Content writer: Gabriela Jimenez 

This production was commissioned by Push Festival Vancouver PARTS Summer Studio, Ultima Vez, Tictac Art Center, Zinnema, Company THOR, En Archipel Association, Kunstenfestivaldesarts Brussels. ROPA-Spain