Announcing the World Premiere of Rang-E-Ishq – Colors of Love
Katha Dance Theatre (KDT) is excited to announce the upcoming world premiere of Rang-E-Ishq – Colors of Love, coming to the O’Shaughnessy at St. Catherine University October 10-11, 2026. The evening-length performance will emphasize the universal power of love in its many iterations (divine, earthly, and in between) through dance and poetry.
Colors of Love is heavily influenced by Sufism, the mystical subsect of Islam through which Muslims seek divine love and knowledge. Poetry is a major conduit through which Sufis express divine and earthly love, and the authors of the accompanying poetry will include Hafez, Rumi, Kazi Nazrul Islam and others. KDT dancers will express the beauty and meaning of the poetry through lyrical, emotive and rhythmic Kathak dance––the classical dance form native to North India. Full of explosions of color, emotional depth and joy, the show will be another genre-bending addition to choreographer Rita Mustaphi’s repertory.
Ms. Mustaphi is an award-winning dancer and choreographer, most recently of Dance/USA’s 2025 Ernie Award for “extraordinary leaders in the dance ecosystem.” She is known for her visionary and innovative approach to Kathak dance; her multi-disciplinary productions have incorporated spoken word, live and commissioned music, multimedia production elements and diverse cultural influences to create work that adheres to the Kathak tradition while making it accessible and inclusive to all.
Rang-E-Ishq – Colors of Love | October 10-11, 2026 | The O’Shaughnessy at St. Catherine University, 2004 Randolph Ave., St. Paul, MN 55105 | Tickets coming soon to https://www.stkate.edu/oshaughnessy/events
Learn more about Katha Dance Theatre and our programming on our website.
About Katha Dance Theatre
Katha Dance Theatre (KDT) creates, performs and educates through the art forms of dance, music, poetry and storytelling. Rooted in Kathak, the classical dance style of Northern India, KDT is dedicated to making dance accessible, inclusive and relevant. It enhances the local community by bridging diverse cultures and audiences to contribute to life’s infinite artistic expressions.
About Kathak Dance
Kathak (pronounced “Kah-tahk”) is a classical dance tradition native to North India. Its origins can be traced back to as early as 400 BCE, when it began as a form of sharing stories, myths, and Hindu scripture in temples and royal courts. Characterized by both rhythmic and lyrical elements, it features graceful hand gestures, pirouettes, facial expressions and complex footwork performed with expressiveness and precision. Over the centuries, it has grown to incorporate diverse influences and viewpoints with KDT at the forefront of its artistic evolution.
Support for this project comes from a St. Paul Cultural STAR Grant. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support Grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. Additional general operating support from comes from the McKnight Foundation, the Hubbard Broadcasting Foundation, the St. Paul & Minnesota Foundation, RBC Foundation, and the generosity of KDT’s private donors.
