Sridevi Nrithyalaya commemorates the completion of 30 years in the field of Bharatanatyam by presenting four of their well-known dance dramas — ‘Janani Jagath Karani’, ‘Sri Krishna Vaibhavam’, ‘Sivamayam’ and ‘Shadaksharam.’
“Each of these productions, to be presented this Season, involves 50-60 dancers. There will also be solo presentations by our students,” says guru and choreographer Sheela Unnikrishnan, founder of the school.
‘Sri Krishna Vaibhavam’ will be staged on December 2 (6 p.m.) at Narada Gana Sabha. Based on Bharatiyar’s ‘Kannan Paatu,’ this production depicts Lord Krishna as a child, Supreme teacher, passionate lover, courteous servant, saviour and a friend. Lyrics, by Padmadevan, are set to music by Kuldeep M. Pai. It will be staged again on December 24 (7 p.m.), at Sri YGP Auditorium under the auspices of Bharat Kalachar and December 29 (6.30 p.m.) at Infosys Hall, Ramakrishna Mission School, under the auspices of Mudhra.
ADVERTISEMENT
‘Shadaksharam’ will be presented on December 17 (7 p.m.) at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. The performance begins with the birth of Lord Karthikeya and moves on to depict some interesting episodes associated with Pazhani, Swamimalai, Thriuchendur, etc. These will be followed by sequences leading to Soora Samharam and Valli Thirumanam. Lyrics and music composition are by Madurai R. Muralidharan. To be performed again on January 13, 7.15 p.m. at Mylapore Fine Arts.
‘Shanmatham’ on December 26 (7 p.m.), organised by Chennai Cultural Academy. The team will present ‘Thiruvembavai’ on December 31 (6.30 p.m.) at Suchindram.
‘Janani Jagath Karani,’ will be presented on January 4 (7.30 p.m.) at Ethiraj Kalyana Mandapam under the auspices of Indian Fine Arts Society. This production depicts various manifestations of Shakti. Lyrics are by Rukmini Ramani and music by Kuldeep M. Pai. It will be staged again on January 15 (7.30 p.m.), at Smt. Sivagami Pethachi Auditorium for Brahma Gana Sabha.
ADVERTISEMENT
‘Sivamayam’ will be presented on January 14, 6.30 p.m., at Vani Mahal for Sri Thyaga Brahma Gana Sabha. The Lord of five elements namely Bhoomi, Jalam, Agni, Vaayu and Aakasam is said to create, protect, destroy and bless His devotees. Lyrics are by Prof. Raghuraman and music, by Ghatam Karthick.