Representing the fifth generation in a family of traditional
performers who have significantly contributed in the evolution and development
of this art form, Shashadhar Acharya is steeped in the tradition of Seraikella Chhau.
A quest to know and a desire to learn the differing perspectives of Seraikella Chhau
from masters representing various schools within the tradition led him through
a journey of intensive study.
Shashadhar Acharya teaches with a passion that is rarely
seen in someone so young. Devoting a large part of his time to teaching, he
nurtures each student to develop as an artist while respecting the tenets of
tradition.The survival of a tradition depends on its transition from one
generation to the next and contributing towards its continuity is the
responsibility of every practitioner of a traditional art form.
A selfless devotion to a tradition that he was born into has
made Shashadhar Acharya a consummate performer, a devoted teacher and an
exemplary artist. To delve deeper into the art, Shashadhar Acharya has worked
on several research projects that were done with the help of fellowship grants
awarded by the Department of Culture, Government of India. These include,
Teaching Methodologies, Evolution and Usage of Masks and A study of
Compositions in Akhada System in Seraikella Chhau.
Shashadhar has performed the traditional repertoire of
Seraikella Chhau on prestigious platforms across the country and abroad some of
them are:-
Yuva Mahotsava organized by Sahitya Kala Parishad, New
Delhi.
First International Seminar on Dance &Martial Arts Of
Asia, Organized by PADATIK, Calcutta.
Festival of Chhau, Organized by the Indian Council for
Cultural Relations, New Delhi.
Performances sponsored by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, New
Delhi at: Bhubaneswar, Orissa, Karnataka and famous temple sites of Chidambaram
and Ikeri.
Performance at Krishna Gana Sabha, Madras.
Bhabha Institute and Russian Cultural Centre in Mumbai.
Performed at 105th Birth Anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru at
Teen MurtiBhawan, New Delhi.
Dance Festivals
Indian International Dance Festival organized by
SangeetNatakAkademi and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations.
International Mask Dance Festival, organized by the
SangeetNatakAkademi, The Indira Gandhi
National Centre for the Arts and the Indian Council for
Cultural Relations.
The Rajgir Festival
The Khajuraho Dance Festival at Khajuraho, organized by
Madhya Pradesh State Government.
The Sharadotsava organized by Sangeet Natak Akademi, Uttar
Pradesh.
The Ganatantra Mahotsava in Guwahati & Shillong
organized by Sangeet Natak Akademi, Assam.
Vedavyas Festival at Rourkela.
Monsoon Festival organized by Art India Foundation, New
Delhi.
Krishna Festival, Organized by Indian Council for Cultural
Relations.
Konark Dance & Music festival organized by Orissa dance Academy
Bhubaneswar.
Festival Of India in USSR, sponsored by the Indian Council
for Cultural Relations.
Festival of India in Germany sponsored by the Indian Council
for Cultural Relations.
Celebrations for 50 years of Indian Independence in Japan
and Canada.
Performed in Thailand, Burma, Malta, Greece, Egypt, Holland,
the Reunion Islands and United States of America.
Shashadher has choreographed so many dances like:-
*Veer Abhimanyu for Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi.
*The Masks of God, presented in New Delhi.
*Prerana by Utsav Cultural Society, New Delhi.
*Natryayoga in the Reunion Islands.