India - Then, Now and Forever
19th January, 2019
Mallika Sarabhai, Kuchipudi and Bharatnatyam
Sri Ramachandra Swamy Temple, Ammapalle, Shamshabad
India’s art forms have developed over a thousand years, culminating in bringing diversity in our cultures. Often, two or more art forms develop parallel to each other portraying the same Mythology. India Then, Now and Forever is a time travel through a thousand years – many forms of dance originating over years, contextualizing parallel development separated by faiths, interpretations and geographical distances. This show is a travel through time and incorporates classical, folk, tribal and contemporary dance to celebrate India’s multiculturalism and plurality. It takes the audience from the temples of southern India to the forests of the Dangs and the minds of today’s creators.
Artists
Mallika Sarabhai
Venue
The Rama temple was built by Vengi king Kalyana Chalukyulu in the 13th century but the idol was 1000 years old. There is a large image of Lord Vishnu in a sleeping posture above the gateway of the tower. The tower is followed by the main temple with a large corridor around the temple. The idols of Rama, Sita and Laxmana are “ekasila raja vigrama”, built on a single stone with Makara Thoranam. The dashavatarams are also found on the Makara Thoranama which is very unique to this temple. Anjaneya, usually accompanying Lord Rama, is not seen in the garbhagriha. Instead, Anjaneya Swamy idol is placed near the Dwaja Sthambam facing Sri Rama .There is a large ancient temple pond which is surrounded by porticos that once provided shelter to the pilgrims.
