Award-winning composer, producer and pianist Ravé Mehta brings the unique experience of his yoga-inspired performance FLOW to the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville May 24 and 25. The show combines elements of both improvised and structured music, choreography, yoga and psychology’s states of “flow” to take the audience on a journey of connection. Members of the ensemble will participate in a pre-show creative conversation, an after-party with patrons and workshops open to the public on May 25. Show creator Ravé Mehta took a few moments to answer these questions for What’s Up! in advance of his visit.
Q. There are quite a few elements to a FLOW show — music, dance, yoga, the healing experience — what do you ultimately hope the audience experiences?
A. Flow is about connection. The show is about creating a group flow experience so we all feel connected to each other. By the end of the show and throughout, I want the audience to gain a sense of awe, wonder and beauty inspired by our music and movements. I also want to catalyze a new spark of curiosity in them to pursue learning more about the science of flow states and how they can find flow in their own lives.
Q. What prompted you to bring these different elements together on the stage for a performance?
A. In 2012, I fell very ill with Lyme disease and was essentially in recovery for years. I did a lot of research and experimentation, including visiting over 30 alternative health practitioners, scientists and technologists. Through it all, I essentially hacked Lyme and healed myself by learning how to consistently access higher degrees of flow. Yoga and playing the piano were significant parts of this process for me, so I created this show as an artistic expression of my healing journey and a way to share what I learned. The show’s name ‘Flow’ has a double meaning, relating both to the different styles of yoga flows, as well as our own flow states and the ways we can access our full potential.
Q. How do you hope the blending of different performance mediums and art styles will affect the audience’s relationship with or connection to the material?
A. Flow is unique in that it’s simple, raw and really authentic. There really aren’t any high production elements such as lasers, special effects or big sets. The set is basically me and my piano and the show is centered around the audience feeling and connecting with the music and the performers in our most vulnerable states. I feel that’s what will have the biggest impact on the audience.
Q. What is the significance of the performance including both choreographed and improvised material?
A. The blend of choreography and improvisation is to create a structure so we end on time(!)…but also leave enough flex so we can create unique moments that are personalized to this audience and experience. Life works the same way — most of the time we create structure so we have rhythms and predictable timelines that we can plan around, but some of the best experiences are those spontaneous moments where we completely let go and tap into some cosmic force that slows time down and everything just flows together so effortlessly. This show is a delicate balance between complete control to direct what happens and letting go to see what happens.
— Jocelyn Murphy