The traditional arts of diverse communities are uncovered, upheld and disclosed at the Des Moines Playhouse’s Culture Caf‚. Each month, throughout a nine-month season, a different culture is featured.

Indian culture will be introduced at the Culture Caf‚ at 2 p.m. Saturday.

“The arts is one way, without using language, we can reach across cultures and share our own cultures as well,” says Lee Ann Bakros, Playhouse public relations director.

As part of the event, the Playhouse is presenting the Sollimi Vijay Bhaskar Dance Company and the Gateway Dance Theatre.

In addition, the event will include guest host Sara Battar, medical and hospice director at VA Central Iowa Health Care Systems in Knoxville and a native of India.

The Playhouse is expecting anywhere from 300 to 400 attendants in the 400 person capacity Playhouse, says Betty C. Andrews, Culture Caf‚ director.

“The size of the auditorium has a nice informal feel to it,” Bakros says.

“The guests will have an opportunity to have a face-to-face conversation with someone from a culture they would like to learn more about.”

Both Andrews and Bakros believe education about diversity is important in today’s society.

“Education is the only way we are going to overcome the challenges that may be caused by a lack of knowledge,” Andrews says.

Bakros agrees.

“Coming to the Culture Caf‚ is a great way to learn more about your neighbor, someone from school or even a coworker who is from a culture different from yours,” she says.

“The Culture Caf‚ is an opportunity to connect Iowans with their neighbors, learn about different cultures’ history and to celebrate the fact that they have differences which are unique,” Andrews says.

Upon the conclusion of the Culture Caf‚’s nine-month season, a Festival of Cultures is held as a finale, which will be held at 1 p.m. June 7 at the Playhouse.

The event features about 25 different cultures, including all of the previous cultures introduced during the season.

Andrews says the crowd is usually huge and comes from all different cultures.

“I encourage people to come,” Andrews says. “They will look at life differently once they come and experience the Culture Caf‚.”