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Dhoad Gypsies from Rajasthan

Posted: Mon, 20 Apr 2009

The promise of hypnotic and exotic music, dance and performance - including fire-eating and walking on nails - from the fabled land of the Maharajas - at South Hill Park and South Street on the 10 or 17 May - not your ordinary Sunday night?

'Dhoad Gypsies exploded onto the scene with an intense tabla solo followed by a number of traditional Rajasthani Gypsy tunes. Most of their work was centered around percussive instruments: the tabla and other hand drums plus castanet-like pieces of wood played with a rapid fire cadence. The show included performances by a man who balanced a jar of water on up to four small glasses on top of his head while dancing. He also stood on a bed of nails and three curved swords, and breathed fire in time with the music - extra fun if you happened to be sitting right up against the stage like I was. This show gathered the most enthusiastic audience of the night. Two encores were demanded and the band was only too happy to oblige'
Isthmus Daily Page, Wisconsin, USA

Dhoad Gypsies from Rajasthan use hypnotic rhythms and ecstatic harmonies to evoke the spirit of their ancestral home, the wild and magnificent Thar desert of Northwest India. Hailing from the original land of the Gypsies, the eight-piece troupe - led by charismatic master tabla player Rahis Bharti - celebrates an ancient culture handed down from generation to generation. With strong vocal harmonies, an unusual assortment of instruments - including bhapang (plucked drum), morchiang (Jew’s harp), harmonium, dholak (barrel drum), pungi (double flute), sarangi (box fiddle, tabla, and castanets - and colourful costumes, exuberant dance, fire-eating and walking on nails, Dhoad Gypsies from Rajasthan offer an authentic and magical theatrical experience, bringing the passion and epic heroism of their forefathers to life.

Whilst playing tabla with various successful fusion bands worldwide, (the now) 28 year old Rahis Bharti had the idea of bringing together Rajasthani musicians from a number of castes, both Muslim and Hindu; he was determined the touring troupe would be rooted in the folk traditions of his home village of Dhoad, near the state capital of Jaipur, where his family has been making music for five centuries. Rahis has made it his mission to take Rajasthani culture abroad and, since their formation six years ago, Dhoad Gypsies have become well-known cultural ambassadors for the province, playing over 500 concerts in 40 countries across five continents, and attracting the attention of high profile names such as Mick Jagger, at whose birthday party they played in 2007. Dhoad Gypsies from Rajasthan released an eponymously titled debut album in 2005.

Catch them in Berkshire at South Hill Park on Sunday 10 May or South Street on Sunday 17 May.

The details

What: Dhoad Gypsies from Rajasthan
Where: South Hill Park or South Street
When: Sunday 10 or Sunday 17 May 2009
How: 01344 484 123; Tickets: £12; members - £10; concs - £7; Time: 7.30pm
www.southhillpark.org.uk or box office: 0118 960 6060; Tickets: £10/£8 concs; Time: 7.30pm
www.readingarts.com