Kanhopatra: A Bharatanatyam Narrative of Devotion and Marathi Poetry
A research-led solo performance exploring the life and 15th-century poetry of the Marathi saint Kanhopatra through emotive Bharatanatyam.
Embodying the 15th-century poet-saint Kanhopatra on stage in Aurangabad. Bringing her story, rooted in Marathi abhang poetry, to Maharashtra was a truly special experience.
A moment from my performance of *KANHOPATRA*. To get into her skin through her own words is a visceral experience every single time. This piece is an autobiographical account of a forgotten voice, told through her own poetry.
A seated pose from *KANHOPATRA*. Every performance of this piece feels like a cathartic journey into her vulnerability and devotion. It's a story I am passionate about sharing with audiences everywhere.
An expressive moment from *KANHOPATRA*. The piece is a deep dive into the life of the Marathi poet-saint, and conveying her story through abhinaya (facial expression) is central to the choreography.
The lighting captures the mood of this moment from *KANHOPATRA*. Her poetry is filled with a mix of agony and ecstasy, and my goal is to translate that complex emotional landscape into movement.
A black and white still from *KANHOPATRA*, highlighting the intense emotion of the character. The stark contrast emphasizes the dramatic nature of her story and her powerful poetry.
This powerful hand gesture, or mudra, is from my solo production *KANHOPATRA*. The piece is an exploration of her life and poetry, a journey that is both exposing and deeply cathartic.
A moment of surrender from *KANHOPATRA*. Her story is one of profound faith and resilience, and it is a blessing to be able to embody her spirit on stage through my choreography.
A final performance of *KANHOPATRA* in Mumbai. This piece is an intimate, autobiographical account of a forgotten voice, and sharing it is always a powerful experience.
A poignant moment from *KANHOPATRA* at the Nritya Upahaar Festival. The character's journey is an emotional one, and capturing her spirit requires complete immersion.
About KANHOPATRA: A Saint's Story
Most people see the final performance, but for this piece, the real work happens in the library and the practice room. I spend months breaking down 15th-century Marathi abhangs, not just for the rhythm, but to understand Kanhopatra’s specific blend of agony and ecstasy. It is an exercise in translating internal vulnerability into physical, rhythmic movement that resonates with modern audiences.
Bringing a Forgotten Voice to the Stage
My production of Kanhopatra is a deep, research-led exploration into the life of the 15th-century saint-poet. I do not just dance her story; I reconstruct the emotional landscape of her life, from her initial defiance to her final surrender. Every performance is an attempt to bridge the centuries between her original Marathi poetry and the current viewer.
My Research and Choreographic Approach
I believe that the strength of a Bharatanatyam performance lies in the clarity of its intent. For this production, I collaborated with language experts to study the nuances of the abhangs. My choreography emphasizes abhinaya, using subtle facial expressions and specific mudras to depict the poet's inner turmoil. This is not a standard margam; it is a theatrical narrative structured to highlight the humanity of a historical figure often simplified in traditional storytelling.
Why This Piece Works for Modern Audiences
Kanhopatra's struggle with faith, societal labels, and personal autonomy feels strikingly relevant. I have performed this work in cities across India and internationally, from large auditoriums to intimate festival settings. Whether you are looking for a powerful solo for a cultural event or an educational lecture-demonstration for a university or arts collective, this production offers a deeply human experience that goes beyond traditional performance.
Similar work from other experts
Browse through Curated picks from other experts on mytribe
Thematic Bharatanatyam Solo Productions
52
Shringara Sharanagati: Classical Bharatanatyam Solo on Divine Love
15Kathak Dance Performances and Thematic Choreography
10
Authentic Bharatanatyam Performances and Theatrical Productions
Devotional Classical Dance & Storytelling Performances
12
Bharatanatyam Solo Recitals and Performances
Looking for a different performance or workshop?
You can search through my other thematic productions, solo repertoires, and training modules.
More from Bharatanatyam Choreography by Divya Ravi
More services by Divya Ravi