Multidisciplinary Artistic Direction for Dance Productions
I believe dance is not a solo act. It is a conversation between forms—bringing together Kuchipudi, live music, and visual arts to tell a coherent story.
The official poster for our 'Baithak' performance of 'Call of the Flute'. This production brings together my Kuchipudi, Shan Bhatnagar's Pichwai artistry, and Hrishikesh Majumdar's flute.
My collaborator Shan Bhatnagar and I discussing the concept behind 'Call of the Flute'. We explain how we merge the northern tradition of Pichwai painting with the southern Indian dance form of Kuchipudi.
An invitation to the Mumbai premiere of 'Call of the Flute'. The hand gestures, or mudras, are a fundamental part of how we tell stories in Indian classical dance.
A visual summary of 'Call of the Flute', showing how we connect the Vaishnavite art of Pichwai from the north with Kuchipudi dance from the south, with the flute as the divine thread.
Performing 'Call of the Flute' in Jaipur, with a stunning Pichwai painting by Shan Bhatnagar as the backdrop. The visual art provides a rich canvas for the dance to unfold upon.
Snippets from our show at G5A, showcasing the different elements: my Kuchipudi performance, Shan Bhatnagar explaining the art, and our final bow with flautist Hrishikesh Majumdar.
My collaborators and I share our thoughts on the unique experience of performing 'Call of the Flute' in an intimate baithak setting, where the audience and artists become one.
A review of 'Call of the Flute', describing it as a confluence of arts that decodes stories of Krishna. It highlights how each art form complemented the others to create something powerful.
Pichwai artist Shan Bhatnagar sharing his deep knowledge of Nathdwara and Srinathji with the audience. His storytelling provides the context and narrative foundation for the performance.
An interactive moment with the audience in Jaipur. I believe in making art accessible and enjoy breaking the fourth wall to share the stories and ideas behind the movements.
About Artistic Direction: Fusing Dance, Music & Visual Arts
What the audience sees on stage is the result of thousands of hours—not just of my dancing, but of aligning my movement with the specific visual backdrop and the flautist’s breath. When I direct a project, I treat the stage as a living canvas. I ensure the lighting, the rhythm, and the visual elements don't just exist side-by-side but actually respond to one another to create a unified narrative.
Bringing Forms Together
Directing a multidisciplinary production is about managing the 'dialogue' between different arts. Whether I am blending Kuchipudi with Pichwai painting—as seen in 'Call of the Flute'—or adapting Rabindra Sangeet into a Thillana, my goal is to find the common ground. It is not about simply performing to a backdrop; it is about creating a space where the visual art and the live music dictate the tempo and texture of the dance.
My Process
I prefer to start with a deep-dive research phase. Before a single step is choreographed, we explore the literary or philosophical themes. For my production 'Chitra,' this meant analyzing the text deeply to translate Tagore’s feminist play into movement. When directing, I focus on:
- Spatial Architecture: Designing floor patterns and entries that accommodate other artists on stage, ensuring the visuals remain uncluttered.
- Technical Synchronization: I work closely with lighting technicians to develop specific cue sheets, ensuring that the movement is always highlighted by the right mood.
- Storytelling Flow: I write scripts for the narration, ensuring the transitions between segments feel natural rather than forced.
Traveling for Productions
While I am based in Delhi NCR, I frequently travel across India to stage these productions. From the G5A warehouse in Mumbai to cultural venues in Jaipur and Bangalore, I bring the necessary team—or work with local collaborators—to adapt the show to the specific venue. If you are looking to bring a multidisciplinary project to life, I am happy to discuss how we can adapt these forms to your stage.
Amrita Lahiri
I’m Amrita. My work is about finding the thread that connects disparate art forms. When I direct a production, I don't just focus on the dance steps; I look for that intersection—where the painting, the melody, and the movement stop being separate entities and start breathing together.
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