'Two worlds simultaneously bleed: one where gendered violence is endemic and another where Goddesses destroy demons'. Internationally renowned dancer, choreographer and writer Priya Srinivasan explores issues of social justice in The Durga Chronicles, showing this September in Melbourne at the Arts House, North Melbourne. ‘I see this art as a tool to generate genuine conversations on difficult topics,’ says Priya. At once a rite of collective mourning and a call to action, The Durga Chronicles remembers the stories of women who have been harmed and harnesses the force of Durga to provoke empowered resistance against gendered violence. ‘This performance will have some confronting elements, but that uncomfortable feeling also generates an expansion in mindset. I want everyone in the audience of all genders to ask themselves, what is Durga energy, what does it feel like?’ The Hindu goddess Durga is often referred to as a mother protector - created to ensure creation, preservation and destruction of evil forces in the universe. Also known as Mariamman and Korravai, Durga is a primordial being of complex multiplicities, recognised as the carrier of feminine strength. The performance explores the manifestation of this strength in the contemporary.  Drawing on a blend of ancient traditional arts and contemporary performance styles, this rich work uses music, dance and stunning visuals – along with an exquisite, moving Carnatic choir of 12 women – to create a storytelling experience that operates on a visceral level.  The bodies of inter generational South Asian women, occupying spaces that have not been open to them, is art in and of itself. The show will shine a spotlight on gendered and domestic violence and on a society which simultaneously condemns and condones it. ‘The show is about letting barriers down, experiencing and feeling, reflecting and discussing. It is especially about discussing openly and without judgement the topics which are often brushed under the carpet.’ To facilitate this conversation, audiences are invited to two post show dialogues. The first is led primarily by women and nonbinary folk, while the second is a men’s mental health conversation.  Priya is joined by long-time collaborator Philipa Rothfield along with Uthra Vijay, an intergenerational Keerthana Women’s Choir, Hari Sivanesan, Govin Ruben, Lalita Yagnik, Matangi Prasan and Marcus Salvagno.  Event details Join the SAARI Collective community for the performance of The Durga Chronicles at the North Melbourne Town Hall. Saturday 3 September at 1pm (followed by a dialogue at 2pm) and 7pm Sunday 4 September at 1pm (AUSLAN interpreted) and 5pm (followed by a dialogue at 6pm) Buy tickets here (Limited $10 DESITIX. Use promo code AROGYAM when booking) Tanaya Joshi is a regular science and culture writer at SAARI. She is a Impact and Communications Officer at Earthwatch Institute. You can connect with her via LinkedIn.