Gig theatre may be an unexpected form for a classically-trained Karnatik singer, but this is a story that Aditya Prakash can’t tell with music alone. Join us on the incomparable multimedia journey of ROOM-i-Nation, a thoughtful and compelling exploration of identity and tradition through the lens of music and storytelling. Prakash’s ROOM-i-Nation weaves together the threads of Karnatik classical music with the history of Asian immigration and stories of identity and belonging to offer a nuanced take on navigating two worlds.

ROOM-i-Nation brings to life Aditya’s 2023 album ISOLASHUN using live music, a soundscape, an Akram Khan dance film specific to the project, video projection, and personal stories to illuminate the immigrant and diasporic experience and offer a hopeful look at bridging cultures, generations, and musical traditions. ROOM-i-Nation invites us all to reflect on our stories of belonging and authenticity. The project draws from Aditya's experiences growing up in Los Angeles, training in India, performing from a young age, and his deep engagement with Karnatik music and contemporary sounds. His narrative is one of discovery, challenging traditional boundaries while embracing a complex identity. It's an acknowledgment of the richness that comes from embracing our multifaceted selves and the art that emerges from this acceptance.

Aditya Prakash is a visionary artist who has found a way to speak to everyone while speaking in his own language. Tigran Hamasyan

Aditya has made a work that transcends any particular genre of music. It is both personal and universal.
Akram Khan

ROOM-i-Nation is commissioned by
The Center for the Art of Performance, UCLA
World Premiere, October 4-5, 2024

Major Funding
Creative Residency Grant, Jazz Road, a Program of South Arts
Los Angeles County Performing Arts Recovery Grant

Additional Support
Kalapriya Center for the Indian Performing Arts (Chicago)
BrittenPears Arts (UK)
Annonymous

Photography by Gema Galiana Photography