Gandhari
Gandhari - A Barathnatyam Production by Arthi Suthagar
“I was in awe of the dance, the storytelling, the vocals and the music”
Saturday 18th November 2023
A rendition of the Hindu epic Mahabharata, through the eyes of a princess, Gandhari, who blindfolded herself and became the mother of 101 children, the Kauravas, who caused the Kurukshetra war. Taking a strong female perspective, we view the strength of a mother.
Gandhari is a natya nadagam, or theatrical piece, which consists of nrittam, pure rhythmic movements, as well as nrityam, slower expressive aspects of dance which engages the emotions and minds of the audience.
Accompanying her, we have renowened musicians who performed a range of ragas to guide the audience through our story.
Choreography and dance- Arthi Suthagar
Vocal and Nattuvanagm- Sathvika Krishnan
Mirudangam- Ram Sivasubramaniam
Violin- Laksan Sakthiruban
Flute- Prayag Kotecha
Narrator and author- Mathura Panchadcharasarma
Immersing in a range of ragas, follow the journey of a princess, who was trapped into isolation, despite having 101 children.
What is the point of it all?
In an attempt to keep Arthi's Kalalayam personable, I will be posting monthly blogs about being a Barathanatyam dancer, the obstacles I faced to learn this ancient artform, guidance on conducting your own arangetram and more…