Shikhandi: The Inner Quest – A Thematic Bharatanatyam Production
A research-backed 75-90 minute dance-theatre production exploring gender identity, sacrifice, and resilience through the epic lens of the Mahabharata.
A press clipping from my performance in Chennai. The article discusses the fusion of different Bharatanatyam forms, highlighting my production "Shikhandi" as part of the festival.
This article from DT Next covers the Bandish Arts festival in Chennai, where I presented "Shikhandi." It's always rewarding to see the media engage with the deeper themes of my work.
An invitation to the Bandish Arts festival in Chennai. I was delighted to present "Shikhandi: The Inner Quest," a production curated beautifully by Swati Athmanathan and Santanu Roy.
Presenting "Shikhandi" in Chennai. This is a riveting story of a great warrior that transcends body and gender, forcing us to look at our own society and the stories of "the man in the woman and the woman in the man."
A promotional poster for "Shikhandi" at the Bandish Arts festival. The description captures the essence of the production: a tale of courage, hope, despair, revenge, and self-acceptance.
Another poster for my performance of "Shikhandi" in Chennai. This production is very dear to me, and I am always honored to share its special message with audiences.
It was an honor to be invited to present "Shikhandi" at Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University in Delhi. Bringing this story to a department of Liberal Arts sparks important conversations about dance, philosophy, and history.
A powerful moment from "SHIKHANDI - the inner quest," captured during a World Dance Day celebration. The performance was met with a standing ovation, a moment of deep connection with the audience.
Blowing the conch shell to signal the start of the battle. This moment from "Shikhandi" is filled with determination and the weight of a destiny forged through many lives.
A stance of readiness and resolve from "Shikhandi." The character's journey is one of immense strength, and I try to convey that power in every movement.
About Shikhandi: The Inner Quest
My production of Shikhandi is a 75-90 minute dance-theatre experience that demands more than just technical precision. It requires a 5-piece live orchestra—comprising a Vocalist, Mridangam, Violin or Flute, Veena, and Nattuvangam—to truly bring the mythological narrative to life. This is not a standard recital; it is a research-backed dialogue on identity, crafted for audiences who seek intellectual and emotional depth beyond the traditional stage.
A Narrative Built on Research
Every movement in Shikhandi: The Inner Quest is the result of years of inquiry into ancient texts and shastras. Unlike traditional Bharatanatyam performances that focus purely on the Margam repertoire, this production functions as a lecture-performance hybrid. It delves into the story of a warrior who transcends body and gender, challenging the audience to introspect on the 'man in the woman and the woman in the man.'
Technical and Logistical Requirements
To maintain the integrity of the performance, I do not perform this production on recorded tracks. The live musical ensemble is critical to the 'jugalbandi' between movement and sound. As this is a theatrical production, it requires:
- Dedicated Lighting: A technical script involving spotlights and specific shadow cues to emphasize the narrative shifts.
- Custom Production: Specialized character makeup, tribal-influenced costumes, and specific props are managed by my team to ensure the aesthetic remains grounded in the period of the epic.
Where This Fits
I have performed Shikhandi across India, from the amphitheaters of Delhi University to specialized arts festivals in Chennai and Bangalore. It is ideally suited for:
- Literary and Cultural Festivals: Where the narrative depth resonates with academic audiences.
- University and Liberal Arts Forums: Providing a bridge between performance art and sociological discussion.
- Private and Public Theatres: Where a controlled lighting and sound environment is available.
Whether you are hosting an event in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, or Chennai, I ensure the production is tailored to the venue's capacity while keeping the core narrative of courage and self-acceptance intact.
Himanshu Srivastava
For me, dance is a form of scholarship. I do not just present a sequence of steps; I deconstruct the epics to ask uncomfortable questions about societal norms, whether I am performing in a university amphitheater or a cultural festival.
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