Imperial College Indian Society proudly presents the longest running student show in the country - East Meets West.
Currently celebrating its 27th year, East Meets West is an eclectic fusion of dance, drama, fashion and music. It incorporates artistic elements and styles from cultures and traditions across the world to create a vibrant and unforgettable evening of entertainment.
In 1992, East Meets West was established as a simple platform to showcase the diverse talent at Imperial. Twenty-seven years later, it has grown to be one of the most highly anticipated university shows in the country, gracing venues such as Eventim Apollo, London Palladium and the Novello Theatre.
EMW has reached amazing new heights this year. We’ve had the blessing of hosting a record-breaking 230 auditions, including performers from other London universities such as Kings and the Royal Veterinary College. From the introduction of a choir act, to the fusion of more dance styles than we’ve ever featured before, we continue to strive to deliver that which has never been done before.
What can you expect from EMW19?
Drama
This year, the cast of EMW 2019 present 21 KNIGHTSBRIDGE: the story of Jay and Sam, two clueless cops who are sent undercover to Imperial College London to investigate the mysterious emergence of a rogue circle in South Kensington, dealing a new brand of Imperial’s most addictive substance: Curly Fries… a strain so popular it’s driving the Union out of business. Their mission is simple: “Infiltrate the dealers, find the supplier.”
In a story of thrilling adventure, captivating romance and shocking twists and turns, our favourite detectives will soon find there is more going on than meets the eye. Thrown back into university life, they must navigate through the tricky world of lectures, social cliques, societies and girls as they continue their mission. Will they succeed? Or will their efforts result in paying the ultimate price?
This year’s drama leads, Ali Khalid and Sameed Shariq, playing Sam and Jay respectively, have been described as “sensational” by the Artistic Director for Drama, 2nd year Chemistry student Iman Ilyas, who also notes that “Bollywood will be copping them soon.”
When speaking to us, Ali also shared: “I know EMW has been going on for a long time and from what I’ve been seeing unfolding so far, I think this year, in fact, is going to top things. The drama cast I’ve met so far has been unbelievable. The script I thought was amazing, everyone’s been working really hard and we’re going to continue to work hard so we can put on a good show!”
Dance
Every year EMW dance acts have been highly anticipated and this year is no different. Taking dancers of all levels and turning them into the next Madhuri Dixit, our dance performances are not to be missed.
With a fusion of gaana, contemporary, Bollywood, Hip-Hop, Street, Bhangra and more, finding a more varied set than RAABTA is no mean feat. Choreographers Kanav Agarwal, Maya Satheeskaran, and Ajitha Sundaram shared that their “mixture of students from first year to third year shows how universal EMW really is.”
MASTANI is a stunning mix of Bollywood, hip-hop, classical and Latin, with an equally diverse music mix. Following the breathtaking story of Mastani as they travel through the ages, the group, choreographed by Devyani Saini, Shivani Kalair and Mohona Sengupta, will be astounding the audience with their tale of three women over three eras.
DRISHTI amazed hundreds all the way back in January at Hindu society’s Winter Mela. Their dance, choreographed by Rajas Barve, Manu Pillai, Arunima Basu and Paridhi Poddhar, is made up of 19 performers, the majority of whom are trained in Bharatanatyam or Kathak dance. Drishti will be bringing you all a beautiful combination of traditional dance styles, partnered with a mix containing the most unbelievable range of songs, bringing to life an incredible performance which will redefine ‘classical’ for future generations.
Music
Directed by Sreya Coomer, Music is bringing you anything and everything you could ever imagine hearing in just five acts: from RAPPING and BEATBOXING mixed with some tuneful melodies, to a CHOIR singing a medley of showstopping Hindi and English songs which are sure to leave you with a smile on your face. The two band acts will leave you with an irresistible urge to tap your feet along to the music, whilst their DUET will leave you feeling all kinds of moods – emotional, romantic, happy, and “just can’t help but dance and sing along”!
Fashion
The catwalk highlights some of the most outstanding outfits, designed and supplied by our fantastic sponsors. All the featured outfits in this year’s shows are courtesy of NV Collections, VR Sarees, Fabilicious Fashion, Prachy Creations and Pagh Vala. Our student models will be displaying five key themes on stage:
The first two themes of the fashion show are ‘Boys’ and ‘Girls’. Celebrating what the whole show is about, the models will be integrating western and Indian culture, showcasing traditional formal wear from all corners of the globe.
Third, our models will be exploring the theme of ‘Wedding’. Exhibiting jaw dropping bridal wear, these grand outfits will leave the audience enthralled. Next ‘Fusion’ uses the medium of clothing to celebrate all cultures and their differences. Finally, bringing it home, ‘All Around India’ investigates the varied styles of fashion across our diverse motherland.
The choreography that brings these exquisite pieces of clothing to light is brought to you by Aakriti Shah, Meha Vora and Amar Rai.
EMWxMSoc
Just in case you missed them last weekend at MNight, our friends at Imperial College Union Malaysian Society are giving you a second chance to catch the traditional Dikir Barat dance on the EMW stage! Fresh out of Heartstrings, their coordination, sharp moves and loud “HA’s” will have you blown away - even in the back row. Come watch a truly spectacular showcase of Malaysian unity and “keluarga”!
EMWxACS
Since Afrograla: Hazina in February, we’ve been desperate to see more. We’re delighted to welcome back ACS to the EMW stage and can’t wait to see what they’ll bring this time. You’re promised a fiery performance, filled with spirit and zeal.
The EMW community
EMW continues to be an integral part of the university experience for the vast majority of students in our community and beyond.
Our talented performers have been approaching rehearsals with determination and passion right from the beginning of term, with some rehearsing up to six hours a day, six days a week, as we approach the big day. As we reflect upon EMW season, the final countdown to show-day, we are touched by the magical lifelong friendships being formed as a result of the overwhelming feeling of unity brought about by the EMW spirit.
East Meets West turns students who have never performed in their life into dancers, actors, models and musicians who continue to astonish audiences year upon year. We have constantly pushed the boundaries of what it means to be a ‘student show’ - and this year will be no exception.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Tickets available from: bit.ly/EMW19Tix
