When Astad Deboo met Thomas Mettler

Pro Helvetia New Delhi facilitated a meeting between the two dance legends Astad Deboo and Thomas Mettler in the village of Intranga in Camedo, Switzerland and the outcome was sheer magic.

Pro Helvetia New Delhi facilitated a meeting between the two dance legends Astad Deboo and Thomas Mettler and the outcome was sheer magic.  

Astad Deboo travelled to Switzerland and spent time with Thomas Meddler from 16 June to 1 July 2009.
The rehearsals were in the village of Intranga in Camedo, Switzerland.

In the words of Astad Deboo:
"The purpose of this residency was to spend time exploring our dance vocabulary. Thomas comes from a Physical Theatre and a mime background. My dance vocabulary has a lot of Indian elements along with contemporary dance. We rehearsed with our different styles and explored ways to see how our styles can blend in presenting a new language.

Besides the actual physical work, there were lots of time spent on discussion of what dance meant, what was the present scenario and how our works stood in todays context. Many evenings were spent in seeing each other's work on the video. Thomas also shared works of other European dancers who he had worked with."