Preview

Naachiyar Next – A retelling of Andal’s legacy

Published by
Patriot Bureau

Arangham Dance Theatre, led by renowned choreographer and performer Dr. Anita Ratnam, presents “Naachiyar Next,” a captivating dance theatre production exploring the life and legacy of Andal, the revered 7th century CE poet-saint of Tamil Nadu.

The performance will be held on March 31 at 6pm at the Chinmaya Mission Hall, Lodhi Road.

Hailed as a dance visionary, Dr Anita Ratnam has explored unique and unexplored subjects that recast women and myth through her feminist lens. Her craft extends beyond performance to outreach initiatives to share the wonderful nuances of Indian arts to today’s youth.

Ratnam describes “Naachiyar Next”, that has stirred audiences each time, and is a “trans-creation,” a fresh interpretation of Andal’s story. This innovative presentation showcases rarely explored aspects of Andal’s life and integrates elements like the traditional Kurathi(gypsy) soothsayer ritual from the Srivilliputhur temple.

The 70-minute performance features a talented ensemble of eight dancers, two actors, and four musicians, creating a visually stunning and emotionally charged experience braiding dance, theatrical staging, ritual chanting, storytelling and contemporary movement improvisations.

“Re-telling is like a translation. Rather a trans-creation. A remarkable life, saturated with emotion, passion and poetry – lived over 1000 years ago- where the landscape of devotion and personal worship were forbidden for women- is a challenge. Even more so, when her words have already been seen, heard, experienced through generations of artists and philosophers. ANDAL aka GODA, is a phenomenon, whose allure and appeal do not dim through the vagaries of time. As among the very early feminist voices whose searing love and devotion to her Ranganatha/Krishna made the heavens tremor and the Lord Himself surrender to her will, ANDAL remains an enigma and a beloved icon of the Tamil imagination,” she says.

Extensively worshipped in South India and the only mystic poet to have her own temple with a living tradition, this rare depiction of Goddess Andal invited audiences to journey with and to immerse themselves in this teenaager’s remarkable poetry. ‘Naachiyar Next’ promises an unforgettable evening of artistic excellence and cultural exploration.

When: 6pm, March 31

Where: Chinmaya Mission Hall, Lodhi Road

Patriot Bureau

Published by
Patriot Bureau
Tags: dance

Recent Posts

Delhi Weather: Heatwave conditions in city over next 6 days, predicts IMD

The minimum temperature was recorded at 19.5 degrees Celsius, which was 0.7 notch above average.

April 5, 2025

Delhi street art revolution: How young artists are transforming urban landscapes

Students are taking the lead in Delhi’s street art movement, turning public spaces into vibrant canvases of expression

April 5, 2025

AAP alleges ‘education mafia’ back in Delhi, slams BJP over fee hike in private schools

Addressing a press conference, senior AAP leader and former education minister Manish Sisodia alleged that…

April 5, 2025

Manoj Kumar: Veteran actor cremated will state honours

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan and veteran screenwriter Salim Khan were among the prominent personalities from the…

April 5, 2025

Manoj Kumar: Family, friends pay last respects to Hindi cinema legend

The veteran actor-filmmaker died on Friday due to age-related issues at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani hospital.…

April 5, 2025

Delhi: A Connaught Place landmark set for makeover

The iconic first fire station in CP, the first in Delhi, is set for redevelopment; old-timers reflect…

April 5, 2025