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

NIA chargesheets 3 more in 2024 Gurugram club bombing case linked to BKI

The agency says the trio worked with foreign-based gangsters and BKI handlers who supplied explosives…

December 5, 2025

IndiGo cancels all departing flights from Delhi airport till Friday midnight

Delhi airport operator DIAL said operations of all other carriers remain as scheduled and said…

December 5, 2025

I’ve broken every bone in my body: Twinkle Khanna on ‘Mrs Funnybones’ and humour in writing

Khanna revisits her early struggles, writing routine, and the making of ‘Mrs Funnybones Returns’

December 5, 2025

Major traffic restrictions in Delhi amid Putin’s visit

Putin is expected to make diplomatic visits to Rajghat, Bharat Mandapam, Hyderabad House and Rashtrapati…

December 5, 2025

No respite from pollution woes; cold wave forecast in city

Toxic air persists with AQI at 323; sharp morning chill adds to city’s discomfort

December 5, 2025

Delhi pollution: Strict instructions issued to control dust, remove debris at public places

The government has mandated intensive cleanliness drives and zero tolerance for dust as Delhi steps…

December 5, 2025