ĀBHA: A Retelling of the Ramayana
Experience the Ramayana through a modern lens. Join me, Adithya PV, and Shruti Gopal as we bring the epic to life with powerful Bharatanatyam, dramatic lighting, and deep storytelling.
A powerful pose from 'ĀBHA', where the three of us come together to tell the story. The symmetry in our movements is key to conveying the unity and emotion of the narrative.
A short clip from our 'ĀBHA' performance at the Punyah Dance Festival. You can see the fluid transitions and storytelling that define this Ramayana production.
A moment of storytelling from 'ĀBHA'. Here, we use expressions and gestures to convey the complex emotions of the characters from the Ramayana.
A dramatic still from 'ĀBHA' where lighting plays a crucial role. The stark contrast highlights the emotional weight of the scene, drawing the audience into the story.
A solo moment for Shruti Gopal within our group production of 'ĀBHA'. Each artist has a chance to shine while contributing to the larger narrative.
A candid moment on stage during 'ĀBHA'. The interactions between us as performers are as important as the choreographed movements in telling the story.
A black and white capture of a dynamic group pose from 'ĀBHA'. This format emphasizes the form, lines, and synchronized energy of our trio.
About this collection
This isn't a standard Ramayana presentation. We focus on the raw emotion of the epic, using the interplay of light and shadow to guide the audience through key moments. My partners, Adithya PV and Shruti Gopal, and I rely on intense synchronization rather than heavy sets, ensuring the story remains the focal point of every frame.
When we set out to create ĀBHA, the goal wasn't just to repeat a story everyone knows. We wanted to find the humanity within the characters. It is a trio production, which changes the dynamic entirely compared to a solo recital. You have three distinct voices and bodies moving in conversation.
We put a lot of work into the visuals. Lighting is a character in this production. It is not just about illuminating the stage but about isolating moments, creating silhouettes, and shifting the mood from high energy action to quiet reflection.
We have taken this production from the intimate corners of Bangalore to stages in Europe. It works because it bridges the gap between traditional Bharatanatyam and modern theatre expectations. We use the full ensemble of dancers to push the boundaries of what a group performance can feel like.
If you are planning an event or a festival, this is a show that demands attention. It requires a proper sound check and stage management, but the payoff is a performance that resonates long after the music stops. Let's talk about the technical requirements if you are interested in hosting us.
Parshwanath Upadhye
I’m Parshwanath. I don’t wait for someone else’s permission to make art. I’m happiest when I’m on stage with my team, retelling epics or breaking down a rhythm, finding the fire in every single movement.
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