The Abhinaya Dance Company of San Jose is preparing to showcase its Fall 2024 concert titled Draupadi-The Unsung Warrior on November 16 and 17 at the School of Arts & Culture theater in the Mexican Heritage Plaza. This performance aims to offer an ‘eclectic mix of percussion and melody,’ promising to be a visual delight that will immerse the audience in the intricacies of Indian culture, poetry, and classical South Indian dance. The elegant narration in English will be seamlessly integrated to enhance the audience’s understanding and appreciation of the traditional theme being presented.
Through this production, the audience will be taken on a captivating journey delving into the trials and tribulations of Draupadi, the heroine in the ancient epic Mahabharata from Hindu mythology. The show will utilize traditional elements of South Indian Bharatanatyam dance and Carnatic music to delve into the narrative, symbolic, and metaphorical significance of one of the central female characters in the Mahabharata.
Draupadi’s story unfolds as a tale of the eternal struggle between righteousness and evil. Despite facing moments of triumph and tragedy throughout the Mahabharata, Draupadi’s unique marital situation, being married to five brothers—the Pandavas—subjects her to social scorn. Despite enduring humiliation, she remains fiercely loyal to her husbands, demonstrating unwavering strength of character and resilience in the face of adversity.
The performance will be preceded by a brief presentation by Abhinaya’s Junior Dance Company, under the direction of Malavika Walia. The choreography for the production will be expertly crafted by Mythili Kumar, Malavika Walia, and senior dancers, while the music will be orchestrated by Asha Ramesh. The Sanskrit lyrics will be composed by Arjun Bharadwaj, with rhythmic compositions by D.V. Prasanna, Mythili Kumar, and Malavika Walia.
The dancers, including Sweta Ravishankar, Aishwarya Venkat, Vaishali Ramachandran, Priyanka Raghuraman, and Swati Ramesh, will bring the narrative to life through their expressive movements and emotive storytelling. The narration for the performance will be skillfully delivered by Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan.
Abhinaya Dance Company has a rich history of presenting innovative and professional performances of South Indian classical dance forms. Since its inception in 1986, the company has staged numerous full-length productions that have garnered acclaim and recognition. The artistic director, Mythili Kumar, is an accomplished artist whose choreography has been celebrated both in the U.S. and in India.
The artists involved in the production, such as lyricist Arjun Bharadwaj and musicians Asha Ramesh, Malavika Kumar Walia, and others, bring a wealth of talent and experience to the performance. Through their dedication and expertise, they aim to create a captivating and immersive experience for the audience.
Tickets for the performance can be purchased online at www.abhinaya.org or by contacting 408-871-5959. The showtimes are scheduled for November 16 at 6 pm and November 17 at 4 pm at the School of Arts & Culture theater in the Mexican Heritage Plaza. Ticket prices range from $25 for students/seniors to $50 for donors.
The Abhinaya Dance Company’s production of Draupadi-The Unsung Warrior promises to be a mesmerizing journey into the world of Indian mythology and classical dance, offering audiences a unique and unforgettable experience.
