International Bharatanatyam performer and scholar Bala Devi Chandrashekar brings her acclaimed production of Padmavati: An Avatar to Symphony Space on Saturday evening, September 30, 2023 at 5:30pm. The United States Premiere of Chandrashekar’s solo dramatic work is based on the Gita Govinda by the 12th century poet Jayadeva, conveying the captivating love story of temple dancer Padmavati and Jayadeva.
First presented in Mathura, India in November 2021, Padmavati: An Avatar, conceptualized, researched, and choreographed by Chandrashekar, showcases cultural festivities, devotional songs, and resounding instrumentals. The work’s original music, recorded in India by an ensemble of 25 specialized musicians, was composed by Rajkumar Bharathi and features lyrics by Dr. S. Umapathi, Siromani. Vocals and chorus are complemented by the rhythmic recitation of Natttuvangam, a traditional South Indian art form.
“Padmavati: An Avatar takes its audience on a spellbinding journey of love and devotion,” said Chandrashekar. “The show’s melodic tapestry is enriched by a diverse ensemble of artists and musicians. Percussion, string, and wind instruments form the foundation on which this beautiful story is told.”
For tickets and more information on Padmavati: An Avatar, please visit: Bharatanatyam Maestro Bala Devi Chandra shekar | Symphony Space. Symphony Space is located at 2537 Broadway at 95th Street in New York City.
About Bala Devi Chandrashekar
Kalaimamani Bala Devi Chandrashekar is a Bharatanatyam exponent and research scholar. She is known for her distinct scholarly style and takes on subjects based on ancient texts supported by intense research. She collaborates with renowned scholars in their respective fields, carving messages from scriptures relevant to the contemporary world and actively presenting this form worldwide.
Chandrashekar has given over 300 performances across 30 countries. She is an empaneled artist of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, New Delhi, and an approved artist by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India for overseas performances. She is one of the few Bharatanatyam dancers in the world to have presented Brihadeeswara – Form to formless through the eyes of a Devaradiyal, based on the 1000-year-old UNESCO Heritage site, The Thanjavur Big Temple, at the UNESCO head office in Paris in June 2019.
