Srekala Bharath
This year, Srekala will premiere a new group production which she calls ‘Dharma Swarupam’, on December 17, 7 p.m., at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Kilpauk. “The theme is on sacrifice. I have chosen four characters from mythology and history who are synonymous with sacrifice and stand for their selflessness – Bharata from the Ramayana, Karna from the Mahabharata, Poonkuzhali (Ponniyin Selvan) and Panna Dai (from the Mewar history who sacrificed her son to save the prince),” explains the dancer.
As for her solo Margam, Srekala will include in her repertoire the rare Chokkanathar kavutuvam, which she has re-choreographed, and the Khamas swarajathi, ‘Maa Mohalahiri Meerude,’ a composition of Kadigai Namashivaya Pulavar, set to music by Subbarama Dikshitar.
At a glance
* Dec 6, 7.15 p.m. at Sri Krishna Gana Sabha (Carnatica)
* Dec 7, 7 p.m. at Kapaleeswarar Temple (Giri Fine Arts)
* Dec 18, 7 p.m. at Chennai Cultural Academy
Urmila Sathyanarayanan
“I am right now going through a phase where anything devotional, anything that’s bhakti-oriented appeals to me. And so, I will be presenting a solo dance theatre called ‘Meera: The Lotus of Prem.’ The focus will be the saint-poet’s journey, the trials and tribulations she had to face and her strength of character despite being cowed down by some rather tough circumstances.” Based on Swami Sivananda’s version of the story, the production which will have a theatrical touch, has recorded music with dialogue in English. And yes, M.S. Subbulakshmi’s songs from the film have been included as well. Besides this, Urmila will go Margam with ‘Nrithya Mala: A Garland of Dances’ where students of her dance school Natyaksankalpaa will give a fresh twist to traditional pieces. Urmila will reprise ‘Panchali Sabadam’ which has music by Lalgudi Jayaraman.
At a glance:
* Dec 10, 6.30 p.m. at Meenakshi College (with students)
* Dec 13, 7 p.m., Bharat Kalachar (Meera: The Lotus of Prem)
*Dec 21, 6 p.m., at Kalakshetra (Margam)
Srinidhi Chidambaram
Swati Tirunal’s ‘Sumasayaka’ varnam caught the attention of Srinidhi for its old world charm. “It evokes a sense of languorousness, a sense of peace. It fulfils my vision of Kerala and gives me an opportunity to dance to a composition by one of my favourite composers,” says the dancer who loves to experiment and innovate within the time-tested Bharatanatyam format.
This Season, she will choreograph that beautiful varnam using interesting imagery. Her programme will begin with a masterpiece of Lalgudi Jayaraman (you’ll have to watch her performance to find out which one!). And she has included a tapestry of padams “which will retain the essence of each of the pieces, but where a new idiom will emerge.”
“I may have chosen traditional pieces but I have tired to lend a contemporary touch to the pieces, a different feel and mood to each one of them, thus lending variety” says the dancer.
At a glance
Dec 20, 7.15 p.m., for Sri Krishna Gana Sabha
Dec 24, 7 p.m. Brahma Gana Sabha
January 3, 2015 – inaugural concert for The Music Academy
Narthaki Natraj
“I have written a new Ashtalakshmi varnam in Ragamalika, which extols the various facets of the goddess. I have choreographed it just like my guru Kittappa Pillai wold have done. This is my tribute to him,” says the dancer, who is being honoured by the Tapas Cultural Foundation this December.
But what she is really excited about are the two Kavadi Chindus she has selected -- Bharatidasan’s ‘Kaalukku Punnaillae’ describes a mother’s dream of how she wants her daughter’s life to be; and Annamalai Reddiar’s ‘Arumuga Vadivelanae,’ another beautiful piece. She will also bring back to stage ‘Mohalahiri Kondaen,’ the Thodi pada varnam of the Thanjavur Quartet, besides a jatiswaram in Sankirna Nadai and some Thevarams.
At a glance
Dec 14, 6.30 p.m. - Bharathiyar House,Triplicane
Dec 20, 6 p.m. - TAG Auditorium, Kilpauk Garden Road
Dec 25, 6 p.m., Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan for KFA
Revathi Ramachandran
Revathi will once again present ‘Brahmaatma Chakram: Wheel of Brahman who is the Atman’ which she had choreographed for Natyarangam’s ‘Upanisha Bharatham.’ Says Revathi, “The theme discusses cycle in creation, life and death and day and night.”
She will be joined by daughter Manasvini for a thematic programme titled ‘Laya Nirupanam’ wherethe duo will reprise some of her guru Mangudi Dorairaja Iyer’s compositions, in traditional Margam.
At a glance
Dec 24, 1.30 p.m. at Sri Krishna Gana Sabha
January 1, 2015, 6 p.m. for Indian Fine Arts
Jan 9, 2015, 7 p.m., for Brahma Gana Sabha
