MNfusion: The O'Shaughnessy Opens 2015 – 2016 Season With "Roktim"

The change of the season is here, and with it comes the beginning of a new year in school and entertainment.

But while the 2015 – 2016 year may have begun for school, theater and the fall line-up, it has yet to hit St. Catherine University's O'Shaughnessy auditorium.

Until this weekend.

At 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, Roktim: Nurture Incarnadine will begin the 2015 – 2016 year.

Roktim is a full-length dance concert performed by Ananya Dance Theater

Created by choreographer Ananya Chatterjea, visual artist Seitu Jones and behavioral artist Marcus Young, the performance will begin outside and work its way inside the theater.

A mixture of Indian dance, yoga, martial arts and audience participation, it tells the emotional story of the physical and mental labor that women endure in cultures throughout the world just to create a sustainable environment.

It is part of a multi-year series that explores different kinds of work that women do around the world to mature and support their communities, and also the "Women of Substance" program.

According to The O'Shagunessy website, the "Women of Substance" program is a movement that "showcases the artistry and innovative work of women, both prominent and emerging in their field, whose voices need to be heard."

The show will run from Sept. 18 to 19. It begins at 7 p.m. each night. Tickets cost $17 - $27. Discounts are available for groups, students, seniors, MPR and TPT members and military members. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit The O'Shaughnessy Theater online.

The O'Shaughnessy is located on the campus of St. Catherine University at 2004 Randolph Avenue in St. Paul.

Upon opening in 1970, the O'Shaughnessy housed performances by the Minnesota Orchestra, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and the Schubert Club.

Once Orchestra Hall and the Ordway Center for Performing Arts opened, The O'Shaughnessy established itself as a venue for dance.

Now, the theater hosts local arts companies, student performances, regional dance organizations and more.