It was a colourful showcase of all aspects of South Asian culture featuring music and dance performances, drama sketches, and a fashion show from the traditionally eastern to the modern western.
Despite having stage consraints, the show was well produced, and had a unique festival atmosphere to it. Everyone seemed to enjoy themsleves on stage, whilst providing the packed audience with an array of beautiful performances.

It was truly a family-friendly event for all of Southampton to enjoy. The fashion show of eastern and western outfits was particularly entertaining. It was sponsored by Republic, Mandhirs Southampton and Toni&Guy Winchester.

The main partner/sponsor was Art Asia, and they put on a few acts as well, including a tabla performance by two middle-aged English gentlemen, which was well received.

The Tamil Soc performed a dance to a tamil and Justin Timberlake fusion song. The Sri Lankan Soc dance was a Kandyan and Bharatnatyam mix, to a slow, sensual song by Bhathiya and Santhush. There were performances by the Sikh Society of 'Gakta' (Sikh martia arts) as well. A hilariously entertaining comedy sketch ran inbetween the music and dance acts, which kept the audience entertained throughout. The singing/dancing Ben Cowley was particularly entertaining, with his rendition of 'me against the music' and a hindi medley, both accompanied by beautiful dancers.

Overall, 'Saathiya' was an entertaining Asian extravaganza enjoyed by the audience and performers alike. Probably not on par with some of the asian shows by London universities that I've seen, but then again London has the unfair advantage of a larger asian student population and a ridiculously intertwining network across the city. It'll be super to have the Southampton Asian Soc for a show at UCL/Imperial/Kings sometime. They will defintely add that extra flare to any asian night. We look forward to seeing Saathiya 2008!

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