Classes

sAI shree arts

‪‪Mission: To produce thematic presentations based on the Indian Classical Dance Style of Bharathanatyam for continuance of this tradition among future generations and to provide a platform for the artists to showcase their work. Sai Shree hopes to stage Bharathanatyam shows that stretch the very boundaries of thematic presentations and tell a story based in thought and theology and yet, comprehensible to the uninitiated without being a compromise to the connoisseurs.‬

What we do: The classical art form of Bharathanatyam is at a critical phase today after having been in existence for several centuries. The audience interested in this art form has dwindled and several alternative forms of entertainment have taken precedence on the viewership radar. This is unfortunate, as Bharathanatyam represents not just a dance form, but also a culture that is integral to India. An analysis indicates that this art form is in its current state because what is widely performed by solo artists in the popular arena tends to use a small percentage of what Bharathanatyam is capable of expressing.

The themes and the presentations that are commonly enacted have tended to be repetitious and limiting in displaying the actual range of Bharatanatyam. It is exactly this facet that we hope to address by showcasing new and specially scripted stories that are relevant to the current age and present it to audiences not just in India, but the world over. The artists involved would also benefit immensely from having a wider audience to appreciate their talents. And thereby the art form becomes a more viable form of sustenance for their livelihood.

The productions of Sai Shree are very deeply conceived projects with extensive deliberation on the aesthetic and technical aspects of the performance. The end product is an exhilarating experience which will remain etched in the audience minds for ever, regardless of their level of initiation with this dance form.

productions

'MUSIC WITHIN' (2010)

'SOUL CAGES' (2012)

looking back...(blog)

The concept behind ‘Music Within’ began 25,000 feet in a flight over the Arabian sea over a discussion on the effect of music on people and their being. What began as a casual chat transformed over several video conferences and international calls into a search for a composer who could give it the aural form of a musical narrative on music.
I found myself in the atelier of Rajkumar Bharathi in Chennai, India explaining this concept while sipping a freshly brewed cup of south Indian coffee. “Piece of cake” he exclaimed.
The writer, music director, dance choreographer triumvirate in many projects often loses sight of the original vision of the production. ‘Music Within’ was an exception and the production stayed true to what I had envisioned on that flight over the Arabian Sea.
I have had an opportunity to take ‘Music Within’ to several arenas and in doing so, I found that when Bharathanatyam is presented without its strong mythological undercurrents, the art form is appreciated and understandable to a very diverse audience. This has led me to use the power of the narrative in Bharathanatyam, which I have discovered to be one of the most elegant amongst dance forms, and yet so simple. Simple!
'Soul Cages' is my new and recent venture in this same direction and with it came the nascent idea for starting a not-for-profit, production company, namely - Sai Shree Arts.