Dr. Anita Ratnam’s Arangham Dance Theatre is set to enthrall audiences with their latest production, “Naachiyar Next,” a captivating dance theatre performance delving into the life and legacy of Andal, the revered 7th-century CE poet-saint of Tamil Nadu. Scheduled for Sunday, March 31st, 2024, at 6 pm, the performance will take place at the esteemed Chinmaya Mission Hall on Lodhi Road, New Delhi.
Renowned as a dance visionary, Dr. Anita Ratnam has consistently explored unique and uncharted territories, reimagining women and myths through her feminist perspective. Beyond her extraordinary performances, Ratnam is dedicated to outreach initiatives aimed at sharing the rich nuances of Indian arts with today’s youth. “Naachiyar Next” represents Ratnam’s latest endeavor, described as a “trans-creation,” offering a fresh interpretation of Andal’s profound narrative.
This innovative production promises to unveil seldom-explored facets of Andal’s life, incorporating elements such as the traditional Kurathi (gypsy) soothsayer ritual from the Srivilliputhur temple. Featuring a talented ensemble of eight dancers, two actors, and four musicians, the 70-minute performance seamlessly weaves together dance, theatrical staging, ritual chanting, storytelling, and contemporary movement improvisations, delivering a visually stunning and emotionally charged experience.
Reflecting on the significance of this unique performance, Dr. Ratnam shares, “Re-telling is like a translation. Rather a trans-creation. A remarkable life, saturated with emotion, passion, and poetry – lived over 1000 years ago – where the landscape of devotion and personal worship were forbidden for women – is a challenge.” Andal, also known as Goda, emerges as a remarkable figure, hailed as one of the earliest feminist voices whose profound love and devotion to her deity, Ranganatha/Krishna, resonates through the ages.
Extensively revered in South India and uniquely honored with her own temple and living tradition, Andal’s poetry continues to captivate audiences, inviting them to delve into the depths of her remarkable journey. “Naachiyar Next” promises an unforgettable evening of artistic brilliance and cultural exploration, offering audiences a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the profound poetry and legacy of this iconic Tamil figure.
With its fusion of tradition and innovation, “Naachiyar Next” is poised to leave a lasting impact, celebrating the enduring allure and timeless relevance of Andal’s extraordinary life and work.