About The Event
Join Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee Dr. Anita Ratnam as she reimagines Andal’s fearless devotion through movement, theatre and sacred chant.
A poet, a rebel, a mystic, Andal, also known as Goda, remains one of the most compelling figures in Tamil devotional tradition. Centuries later, her intense devotion to Krishna and defiance of societal norms continue to challenge and inspire. In Naachiyar Next, Dr. Anita Ratnam offers a bold reinterpretation of this enigmatic woman, bringing classical tradition into dialogue with contemporary expression.
This performance weaves together dance, theatrical staging, ritual chanting, and modern movement to bring Andal’s story to life in a visually striking and emotionally profound way. Through the interplay of text, gestures, and improvisation, it reimagines Andal’s journey, one of divine love, longing, and transcendence.
A pioneering force in Indian performing arts, Dr. Ratnam draws on her training in Bharatanatyam, Mohiniattam and Kathakali to create Neo Bharatam, her distinctive contemporary Indian movement language. With over four decades of work and more than 1,000 performances across 27 countries, she continues to expand the vocabulary of Indian dance and theatre.
Beyond the stage, Dr. Ratnam is a storyteller, scholar, and cultural entrepreneur. She has played a pivotal role in preserving and reinventing Indian performance traditions, from restoring ancient temple rituals to founding Narthaki.com, the foremost digital archive of Indian dance. Her contributions have been globally recognised, earning honours such as the Vishwa Kala Ratna award for Contemporary Dance.
With ‘Naachiyar Next’, Dr. Ratnam and her ensemble invite audiences to rediscover Andal, but as a revolutionary voice whose defiant love story continues to resonate.
This performance is supported by Reliance Foundation.
