In July, the Southampton Mela Festival hosted the premiere of Holy Dirt — a ground-breaking piece of theatre by Vidya Thirunarayan.
Presented at the Mela, in collaboration with Art Asia, Holy Dirt weaves together movement, sound and storytelling to explore the deep, spiritual connections to the land beneath our feet. Holy Dirt is a vibrant, funny and beautifully episodic performance that playfully explores the mythic feminine as she struggles ridiculously through our climate catastrophe – she stumbles, she dances, she transforms. Clay, stones, water, and sand erupt across the space in a visually startling performance set to a rich global soundscape—where the rawness of earth converges with myth and ritual.
Drawing on South Asian traditions, environmental themes and contemporary performance, the piece invited audiences to reflect on how identity, culture and social conformity intertwine.
Through a powerful blend of dance, live music, and striking visual imagery, Holy Dirt offered an immersive experience that resonated deeply with audiences, embodying the Mela’s spirit of cultural exchange and artistic innovation.
The premiere of Holy Dirt highlighted Art Asia’s ongoing commitment to nurturing new creative work and supporting artists who bring fresh perspectives to traditional forms.
Creative team:
Artistic director and performer: Vidya Thirunarayan
Director and Designer: David Glass
Second performer : Sasha Krohn
Composer : Foz Foster
Production Manager and Stage Manager : Sam Rush
Set Fabrication : Martin West
Producers: Lisa Wolfe, UK; InKo Centre, India
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