‘Uttar Dakshin – The Ramayana Revisited’: A Cultural Marvel of Bharatanatyam and Kathak Comes to Singapore in October 2023

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Singapore, October 13, 2023 – Prepare to be transported to a mesmerizing world of Indian classical dance as ‘Uttar Dakshin – The Ramayana Revisited’ makes its much-anticipated debut in Singapore on October 23rd and 24th, 2023.

An Enchanting Cultural Extravaganza

‘Uttar Dakshin – The Ramayana Revisited’ promises to be an extraordinary journey through the captivating realm of Bharatanatyam and Kathak, performed by the gifted solo artist Ponnamma Devaiah, hailing from Singapore.

This remarkable production has already graced the stages of India, enchanting audiences in Kerala and Karnataka, and now it’s set to captivate Singaporean audiences with its grand premiere.

A Masterpiece by Ponnamma Devaiah

Accomplished danseuse Ponnamma Devaiah, with her extensive experience in both Kathak and Bharatanatyam spanning over two decades, will take the audience on an enthralling journey through the timeless tales of the Ramayana. Through the expressive movements of Kathak and the emotional gestures of Bharatanatyam, she aims to share the profound essence of this classic epic, a privilege she has dedicated her life to.

The performance artfully blends multimedia elements and features original music composed specifically for this production, ensuring it retains the rich tradition, ethos, and deep significance of this timeless epic.

A Collaborative Marvel

The creative genius of two celebrated choreographers, Ms. Madhu Nataraj (representing Kathak from India) and Sri. Shankar Kandasamy (representing Bharatanatyam from Malaysia), has converged to craft a captivating portrayal of the Ramayana. The first half unfolds in Kathak, while the second half immerses the audience in the world of Bharatanatyam. This seamless collaboration brings a fresh and unique perspective to the cultural history and milieu of this revered Indian epic.

Key Highlights of ‘Uttar Dakshin’:

  1. A Journey of Emotions: This remarkable production will lead you through the heartfelt tales of the Ramayana. The verses from Tulsi Das’s ‘Ram Charith Manas’ and Swati Tirunal’s ‘Bhavayaami Raghuraama’ intricately weave a narrative that resonates with audiences of all ages.
  2. An Unprecedented Collaboration: For the first time, two celebrated choreographers, Ms. Madhu Nataraj and Sri. Shankar Kandasamy, have united to craft a singular artist’s captivating portrayal of the Ramayana. This fusion illuminates the epic story in a way you’ve never experienced before.
  3. Furthering Cultural Integration: This event presents a unique opportunity as artists from three different locations—Singapore, India, and Malaysia—collaborate across two distinct dance forms, Kathak and Bharatanatyam, in a singular showcase. This fosters stronger ties between these three countries through the universal language of the arts.

About the Artist:

Ponnamma Devaiah is an accomplished dancer and choreographer with over 20 years of experience in both Kathak and Bharatanatyam. Her remarkable journey of artistic expression includes learning Kathak under the legendary Guru ‘Sangeet Natak Academy’ awardee Dr. Maya Rao and Bharatanatyam under ‘Karnataka Kalashree’ Guru Minal Prabhu. Notably, she is also trained in various martial art forms and 15 different Indian folk dance forms. Ponnamma’s performances have graced stages in over 10 countries globally, including major dance festivals across India. She has the unique distinction of being an ‘A Grade artist’ in both Kathak and Bharatanatyam, as recognized by Doordarshan India. Born and raised in Bengaluru, she has been based in Singapore for the past decade.

Event Details:

Don’t miss the Singapore premiere of ‘Uttar Dakshin – The Ramayana Revisited’:

Dates: October 23rd (Monday) & October 24th (Tuesday), 2023
Time: 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Venue: Black Box @ Goodman Arts Centre, 90 Goodman Road, Singapore-439053
Get your tickets for only $25 at https://uttardakshin.peatix.com

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of ‘Uttar Dakshin – The Ramayana Revisited,’ where culture, dance, and storytelling converge to create an unforgettable experience.