In a vibrant display of culture and creativity, over 600 students gathered at Duke University to stage Awaaz 2024: Away in the Dreamhouse, one of the largest student productions of the year.
Organized by Duke Diya, the university’s leading South Asian undergraduate student association, the event reimagined scenes from the hit movie Barbie with a South Asian twist, offering a fresh perspective on the globally popular narrative.
Held at the historic Page Auditorium, Awaaz combined theatrical skits, music, and dance, weaving a storyline inspired by Barbie into the cultural richness of South Asia. Skits between performances portrayed reimagined scenes, blending humor with poignant cultural commentary.
A diverse lineup of performances also complimented the reimagined play. Duke Sangeet presented South Asian classical music, while Senior Bhangra brought the folk traditions of Punjab to the stage. The student group Bull City Raas presented a high-energy Gujarati folk dance, and Duke Swing added a modern twist with dynamic choreography. The event also featured several fusion acts, showcasing the blending of South Asian and Western traditions.
“Awaaz is more than a production—it’s a celebration of identity, creativity, and unity,” said a member of Duke Diya. “This year, the reimagining of Barbie allowed us to explore cultural themes in a way that connected deeply with our diverse audience.”
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