We invited applications to investigate traditional dance forms and what patterns or cliches were hidden, obscured or ignored by them. Two young Manipuri dancers were selected who, through their piece titled ‘Performing (in) Potloi’ interrogated questions on the dancing female body in the Manipuri tradition and what role colonial history had in the contents evolution of the elaborate Potloi costume.

Through performance interwoven with context on form and evolution of the costume Kankana Singh and Tanisha Bhadury analysed the Potloi – which hid between its folds a history of suppression of the female body. The gallery space, chosen by the artists, had incredible paintings depicting Krishna and Durga, and served as the perfect juxtaposition of art forms as the Manipuri dancers brought to life the same iconic characters through their choreographic stories

Following the two performances we had an open discussion moderated by Nandita Palchoudhuri (International Consultant-Curator of Indian folk art, craft & performances) and Sumona Chakravarty (Deputy Director, DAG Museums & Artist), respectively. This gave time and space for the audience to react to the presentation and delve deeper into historical and geographical background, context, and gain practical and humourous insight into what it’s like to perform in a potloi.