About The Event
Mahitha Suresh presents Tamizh Ilakkiyamum Bharathamum, a thematic Bharatanatyam dance production that celebrates the beauty of ancient Tamizh literature through the medium of Bharatanatyam. Conceptualized and choreographed by her mother and guru, Vidya Bhavani Suresh, renowned Bharatanatyam Exponent and Musicologist, this production spans 50 songs. This programme presents the following selected pieces from this work.
1. Penn (Woman/ Stree) This piece unfolds as a dialogue between a hunter and the king’s messenger. The King of the land wishes to marry the hunter`s daughter, and so, sends a marriage proposal through his messenger. Contrary to the joyous reaction that one might expect, the hunter, instead, presents the messenger with a shocking question – “which king has the right to ask for a girl’s hand in marriage?”. How he substantiates his question, forms the rest of the piece.
2. Ramayana This piece is a short retelling of the Ramayana, in 15 minutes. This item is an extract from Thiruppugazh, a 15th century text composed by Arunagirinathar. It is also interesting to note that, while the text is primarily in praise of Lord Karthikkeya, it also has such detailed extolling on other aspects, including so many ideas from the Ramayana.
3. Osai This piece is from Paripadal, a 2000-year-old text. It elaborates upon the beauty of sound. The poet, who is travelling up the hillock of Thirupparankundram, is fascinated by the sounds he hears along the way.
4. Ammanai In Meenakshiammai Pillai Tamizh, from where this piece is sourced, Goddess Meenakshi, the presiding deity of the Meenakshi Amman Temple at Madurai, is thus visualized by the poet as a child. In this particular piece, the goddess/child is playing ammanai, a traditional ball-game, through which she reveals the three qualities of human nature, rajas , tamas and sattva.
