<p>Chinmayi Nrithyalaya, a Kuchipudi institution based in Hyderabad and New Jersey, will stage the ballet ‘Chandalika’ at the Bangalore International Centre, Domlur, on July 16. </p><p>The performance will be directed by Sridevi Chalagalla Mungara, a disciple of Sobha Naidu, and will feature Chinmayi Mungara, Sridevi’s daughter.</p>.<p>‘Chandalika’, originally published in 1933, is a drama written by Rabindranath Tagore. It was first interpreted as a Kuchipudi dance drama by Padma Bhushan recipient Vempati Chinna Satyam and was later modified and adapted by his disciple, Padma Shri Sobha Naidu.</p>.<p class="bodytext">It tells the story of Prakriti, a young Chandala (untouchable) woman, and her personal transformation in the face of societal exclusion. The drama follows her journey from confusion and rejection to anger, shame, self-realisation, and ultimately, emancipation. “At its heart”, Chinmayi explains, “this ballet is about a woman who is yearning to be seen”.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Highlighting its roots in theatre, Chinmayi notes that Kuchipudi is a character-driven dance form, making the use of dialogue whenever necessary. In her words, “Kuchipudi, as a dance form, is a dance of the eyes”. It is a classical dance form known for its extensive use of abhinaya (expression), laya (rhythm) and bhava (emotion).</p>.<p class="bodytext">On July 16, 7 pm at Bangalore International Centre, Domlur. Entry free. For details, visit bangaloreinternationalcentre.org</p>
<p>Chinmayi Nrithyalaya, a Kuchipudi institution based in Hyderabad and New Jersey, will stage the ballet ‘Chandalika’ at the Bangalore International Centre, Domlur, on July 16. </p><p>The performance will be directed by Sridevi Chalagalla Mungara, a disciple of Sobha Naidu, and will feature Chinmayi Mungara, Sridevi’s daughter.</p>.<p>‘Chandalika’, originally published in 1933, is a drama written by Rabindranath Tagore. It was first interpreted as a Kuchipudi dance drama by Padma Bhushan recipient Vempati Chinna Satyam and was later modified and adapted by his disciple, Padma Shri Sobha Naidu.</p>.<p class="bodytext">It tells the story of Prakriti, a young Chandala (untouchable) woman, and her personal transformation in the face of societal exclusion. The drama follows her journey from confusion and rejection to anger, shame, self-realisation, and ultimately, emancipation. “At its heart”, Chinmayi explains, “this ballet is about a woman who is yearning to be seen”.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Highlighting its roots in theatre, Chinmayi notes that Kuchipudi is a character-driven dance form, making the use of dialogue whenever necessary. In her words, “Kuchipudi, as a dance form, is a dance of the eyes”. It is a classical dance form known for its extensive use of abhinaya (expression), laya (rhythm) and bhava (emotion).</p>.<p class="bodytext">On July 16, 7 pm at Bangalore International Centre, Domlur. Entry free. For details, visit bangaloreinternationalcentre.org</p>