Un-Eklavya: Thematic Bharatanatyam Production

This production is the result of four years of rumination and research. Unlike a traditional Margam, which focuses on the technical structure of Bharatanatyam, Un-Eklavya prioritizes the abhinaya (expression) and the narrative arc.

The Artistic Vision

My research into ancient texts drove the concept of this piece. I wanted to move past the binary of hero and villain. By focusing on the 'riddle of the thumb,' I challenge the audience to consider the cost of unconditional surrender. The choreography blends traditional Chola-inspired lines with contemporary performance techniques to bring a tribal, raw aesthetic to the stage.

Production Technicalities

To maintain the integrity of the performance, I work with a 5-piece live orchestra comprising a vocalist, mridangam, flute or violin, veena, and nattuvangam. The music is a custom-composed score that evolves with the story.

• Duration: 75 to 90 minutes.
• Setting: Requires a space capable of supporting theatrical lighting, specifically designed to handle the transitions between the battlefield and the introspective moments of the protagonist.
• Logistics: The production team includes a dedicated lighting technician, costume support, and specialized character makeup artists.

This work is intended for audiences who appreciate dance as a medium for intellectual inquiry. It has been performed at cultural spaces like the Jharna festival in Chennai and the Parabola of Dance in Mumbai, where the focus remains on the interplay between the dancer’s movement and the profound questions raised by our mythology. If you are planning a festival or a curated cultural event, this production offers a narrative-driven experience that resonates with both classical rasikas and modern audiences.