sooraj subramaniam

nimbus was born out of the fascination of seeing shapes in clouds, and owes its name to the Latin word for a luminous, amorphous, rain cloud.

The dance serves as a metaphor for the swirl and condensation of expectation and desire, playing a game of light and shadow with a distant beloved. This gives way to loss and despair as the elusive cloud shape-shifts and washes away. Finally comes the realisation that fulfilment and joy can only be sought within. 

The original score - composed, played and recorded by the multi-skilled Osama Abdulrasol - transforms from dark and ominous to urgent and buoyant, swelling and crashing in counterpart to the dance. 

nimbus first showed as a dance film in 2021 at the Sangam Festival, Melbourne. This presentation at Indialogue 2023 marks its live premiere.