Thematic Bharatanatyam Solo Productions
I bring lesser-known mythological tales to life through researched, thematic Bharatanatyam. From the inner quest of Shikhandi to the legend of the Abandoned Gopi, these productions merge ancient narratives with modern questions.
A powerful review for "UnEklavya" by senior Bharatanatyam artist Smt. Radhika Shurajit. This video shares stills from the performance, which sensitively portrays Eklavya's story of determination and skill beyond his sacrifice.
A glimpse into the premiere of "UnEklavya: The Riddle of the Thumb" in Chennai. This production, which I had been developing for four years, combines my work as a visual artist and a dancer, and I am grateful for the brilliant minds who helped bring it to life.
Presenting excerpts of my work "UN-EKLAVYA" at the "Parabola of Dance" event in Mumbai. This was an opportunity to share the process behind the choreography, from the initial idea to the final staging of this dear production.
A promotional video for my performance of "UN-EKLAVYA" at the "Parabola of Dance" event, curated by the esteemed Aditi Mangaldas ji. It was a delight to share the stage with other brilliant artists and discuss our creative paths.
A poster for my performance of "Shikhandi: The Inner Quest" in Trichy. This production critiques societal norms and parenting systems through the lens of a lesser-known hero from the Mahabharata, highlighting the importance of self-acceptance.
An invitation to my performance of "Shikhandi" at the Delhi Literature Festival. As this production nears its 100th show, I am filled with gratitude for everyone who has been part of its journey, supporting its message of transcending body and gender.
I was honored to be invited to present "Shikhandi: The Inner Quest" at Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University's Department for Liberal Arts. It is heartening to see reputed institutions recognize and engage with such critical themes through art.
A descriptive poster for "Shikhandi: The Inner Quest," presented as part of the "Sā Dhwanii - Her Voice" series. The story is about a man, a woman, and the complex interplay of "the man in the woman and the woman in the man."
An invitation to the "Saadhwani and Uttariyam" festival in Chennai, where I presented "Shikhandi: The Inner Quest." In this video, I speak about the beautifully curated concept of the festival and invite the audience to join.
Sharing my experience of premiering "The Abandoned Gopi" at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre. The intimate setting of 'The Cube' allowed for a close conversation with the audience, bringing the rare tale of Gopishwar Mahadev to life.
About Solo Dance Productions
My productions are not merely dance recitals; they are explorations born from years of research into obscure mythological narratives. When you invite me for a solo performance, you are bringing a full thematic journey to your event—complete with visual storytelling, script-based nuances, and a focused engagement with the audience. Whether it is an intimate gathering or a large stage, I adapt the performance to bridge the gap between ancient scripture and the modern, inquisitive mind.
My Approach to Performance
I treat every solo production as a piece of Nrityasewa (service through dance). My process involves deep study of scriptures and epics, which I then translate into movement, rhythm, and spoken narrative. My work is not just about the technical perfection of Adavus or Mudras, but about the 'why' behind the story.
Notable Productions
- Shikhandi: The Inner Quest: A critique of societal norms and parenting systems that has crossed 100 shows. It explores the complex identity of a warrior who transcends gender.
- UnEklavya: A re-examination of the Eklavya narrative, focusing on his determination and the intense sacrifice of the thumb. It challenges us to look beyond the popular version of the tale.
- The Abandoned Gopi: A rare exploration of the legend of Gopishwar Mahadev, focusing on themes of surrender and divine devotion, often performed in intimate settings like 'The Cube' at NMACC.
What You Can Expect
When you book a solo production, we are not just scheduling a performance; we are creating a dialogue. I offer a hybrid experience where oral storytelling, rhythmic Bharatanatyam, and conceptual depth converge. Whether you are an institution looking for a thought-provoking session for liberal arts students, or a festival curator needing a show that lingers in the minds of your Rasikas, I bring the rigor of a research scholar and the passion of a performer.
My performances can be tailored for various scales, from lecture-demonstrations that break down complex mythology to full-stage thematic productions. If you have a specific theme in mind for your cultural event, let us discuss how we can bring an untold narrative to your stage.
Himanshu Srivastava
I am Himanshu. My dance is my service—my 'nrityasewa'. I do not just perform steps; I seek out the shadowed narratives of our epics and bring them into the light through Bharatanatyam.
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You can search for different types of performances or workshops I offer.
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