4:30 PM PDT
Program
Welcome & Announcements
Thodaya Mangalam
A traditional invocation seeking blessings from the Divine for the performers, the performance, and everyone gathered for the occasion.
Pushpanjali: Ganaraj Rangi Naachato
Ragam: Bahar
Talam: Chatushra Eka
Lyrics: Shanta Shelke
Composer: Hridayanath Mangeshkar
Language: Marathi
An offering of obeisance to Ganaraj—the elephant-headed deity and remover of obstacles—traditionally invoked at the start of all auspicious endeavors.
Varnam: Ye Mayaladira
Ragam: Useni
Talam: Roopaka
Composer: Mēlaṭṭūr Veṅkaṭarāma Sāstri
(later adapted by the Tanjore Quartet and others)
Language: Telugu
The central piece of a Bharatanatyam performance, the varnam combines elements of nrtta (rhythmic body movements), abhinaya (interpretive or expressive dance) and natya (drama or storytelling).
The nayika (heroine) is upset with her beloved and suspects that perhaps there is another woman. "Who has cast a spell on you, my Lord? I suspect you have been captivated by another woman and have forgotten me."
Intermission
(20 minutes)
Slokam: Shive Sringara Aardra
Ragamalika (a garland of ragas)
Verse: Adi Shankaracharya, "Soundarya Lahari"
Language: Sanskrit
A verse from Soundarya Lahari (meaning "Waves of Beauty"), a compilation of shlokas in praise of Devi (the mother aspect of the Divine), by the 8th Century philosopher and spiritual reformer, Adi Shankara. The verse depicts the Navarasas, the aesthetic essence evoked by the nine emotions of love, disgust (dislike or indifference), anger, wonder, fear, valor, laughter (joy), compassion and peace.
Padam: Unnai Tud Annupinen
Ragam: Saveri
Talam: Adi
Composer: Ghanam Krishna Iyer
Language: Tamil
The nayika waits in joyful anticipation for her friend's return from delivering a message to her beloved. But when the friend appears—disheveled and silent—suspicion stirs. “I sent you with a message,” she asks, “what has happened? Speak, O friend—reveal all to me.”
Natya Geet: Nahi Mi Bolata
Ragam: Pilu (Hindustani)
Talam: Dadra
Lyrics: Krishanji Prabhakar (Kaka Saheb) Khadilkar
Composer: Govindarao Tembe
Language: Marathi
This is a natya geet (show tune) from the 1920 Marathi musical play, Sangeet Maanapamaan. The nayika is taken aback by an inappropriate remark from her beloved. She says, "I am not speaking to you. Your coarse speech may be appropriate in the battlefield but not in love."
Tillana
Ragam: Thodi
Talam: Adi
Composer: Poochi Srinivasa Iyengar
Language: Telugu
An exuberant celebration of joy in dance, the tillana is a traditional finale in a Bharatanatyam performance. It is characterized by complex nrtta choreography (rhythmic body movement performed for its own beauty) by combining rhythmic and cross-rhythmic patterns and intricate footwork.
Mangalam
A traditional offering of gratitude to the Divine, the teacher, musicians and the audience.
Words of Gratitude by the Dancer
Celebratory Dinner
A traditional Indian dinner will be served following the performance, with an opportunity to meet the dancer and accompanying artists.