IHRAF 25: Celebration of Women’s Power

Tuesday, December 9th @ 7pm

Desire Path

Solo Dance Performance

Valkyrie Yao - Choreographer

Miaotian Sun - Lead Artist

Rutong Lin - Lead Dancer

Desire Paths takes the historical practice of foot binding among Chinese women as an entry point to interrogate the objectification of women across time. Through the symbolic use of water sleeves from traditional Chinese attire, the work reveals how the “male gaze” shapes and restricts women’s roles, much like desire paths, those worn shortcuts created by repeated passage, that enforce convenience over autonomy. This performance asks how women can resist the weight of inherited expectations and carve new routes toward agency, resilience, and self-definition.

Content Advisory: Contains references to gender-based oppression and historical bodily harm.

Father, I'm Not a Sinner

Short Play

Alyssa Borelli - Playwright

Abby Collins - Laurie

El Raiford - Devil

Megan Metivier - Angel

Mario Borelli - Father Michael

When 15-year-old Laurie sings a solo at her church’s Sunday mass, she’s suddenly visited by her own Devil and Angel. As the two clash over her past sins, Laurie is compelled to confront her faith and reconsider her relationship with religion.

Content Advisory: Mentions of Sexual Assault and Abortion

Sundara Natarajam

Indian Dance

Arohi Dandawate and the Kritya Ensemble

Sundara Natarajam is a Kuchipudi piece choreographed by Yamini Kalluri and the Kritya Ensemble, on a reflection of women’s lived experiences today. The piece begins with the Hindu Lord Shiva’s ecstatic dance, where his beauty in divine frenzy is revealed through movement. From there, the focus shifts to Shakthi, his consort, who attempts meditation but is drawn instead into a profound awareness of her love for Shiva. Her distraction is not weakness, but instead it is recognition that true yoga lies in union, in a love that transcends even the deepest meditation. Through this journey, Sundara Natarajam challenges the narrative that women must sacrifice ambition for love, or independence for companionship. Instead, it envisions a world where women can embrace both power and intimacy, thriving in ambition and partnership without compromise of self. Ultimately, the piece is a celebration of universal love, feminine strength, and the freedom to live fully as both lover and leader.

The Sad Woman

Performance

Molly Shayna Cohen - Artist

Three Sad Greek Women walk into a pond. One says it’s too cold and jumps out - and gets turned into an apple. Another says it’s too hot and leaves - then gets sucked into hell. The other says it’s just right - but transforms into a swan. Will it ever be enough?

Content Advisory : Language about sexual assault