Mar 21 2025 to Mar 21 2025 7 p.m.

Where

Bangalore International Centre

7 4th Main Rd, Stage 2, Domlur 560071

Event Description

Shadows have fascinated us since childhood—the simple discovery that standing closer to light can make a small child’s shadow larger than an adult’s is a timeless game. Shadowplay, one of the earliest forms of storytelling, has been used across cultures through puppets, objects, and most primitively, the hands.

The Yidaki (didgeridoo) is among the world’s oldest wind instruments, originating with Indigenous Australians over a thousand years ago. Deeply connected to cultural ceremonies, rituals, and storytelling, its rhythms echo the sounds of nature and tradition.

At India Week 2023 in Hamburg, Prashant Rao and Martin Druckrey collaborated with fellow artists to present Bajara, an immersive journey through the vibrant chaos of an Indian metropolis, brought to life through dance, hand shadow art, live music, and video.

In this performance, Prashant and Martin blend storytelling, hand shadows, and the resonant sounds of the didgeridoo, guimbarde (Jew’s harp), and Rabindra Sangeet. Performing both individually and together, they invite the audience to engage, explore, and experience these timeless art forms firsthand.

An interaction with the artists will follow the performance.

Supported by:

Performers

Prashant Rao
Handshadowgrapher
Prashant learnt handshadowgraphy – the art of making shadows just by one’s hands – by watching his father, Prasanna Rao, perform thousands of times before audiences of all ages around the entire world. Prasanna Rao performed this art for over six decades and was known as the ‘Prince of Shadows’. He would accompany his shadow show himself, singing songs by Rabindranath Tagore to create a series of playful sketches.

Prashant was born in Hamburg, Germany at the time his father was performing in a variety theatre. Growing up, Prashant would accompany his father through his travels. Prashant now lives in Bangalore and works as an engineer. He continues the tradition set by his father, performing when he has the opportunity.

Martin Druckrey
Freelance Musician, DJ & Teacher
Martin Druckrey began his musical journey as a bassist and electronic DJ, gaining international stage experience early in his career. His deep interest in diverse cultures led him to the Yidaki (Didgeridoo), one of the world’s oldest wind instruments.

Initially trained in the Western Didgeridoo style by renowned musicians Si Mullumby (Wild Marmalade) and Ondrej Smekal, Martin later immersed himself in the traditional playing techniques of the Yolngu People from northeastern Arnhem Land—recognized as the custodians of the Yidaki. His studies under Jeremy Cloake and Michiel Teijgeler deepened his understanding of the Yolngu’s unique instrument-making traditions and playing methods, which date back over 4,000 years. Today, he teaches the Didgeridoo, sharing both contemporary and traditional techniques.

A self-taught multi-instrumentalist, Martin has also mastered indigenous instruments such as the Djembe, Jew’s Harp, and flutes, passing on his knowledge through workshops and performances. As “Marton Kosmofon,” he blends these ancient sounds with electronic music, creating immersive, rhythmic, and atmospheric soundscapes.