Written by Mahesh Dattani

"A woman in a man's world is progressive, a man in a woman's world is pathetic - strong sentiments that refuse to be ignored."

Using the classical Indian dance form Bharatanatyam as the backbone, this play by Mahesh Dattani explores the rendition and eminence of this art form over two generations of a family. Jairaj is a young man passionate about his dance along with his wife Ratna, also a dancer. The displeased dominance of his father, Amritlal, does not diminish his desire to excel at Bharatanatyam. His struggle, the lack of support around him and the impact on his own family 40 years later, is the subject showcased on stage over two hours. An unmistakable parallel between Jairaj and the dance form, Bharatanatyam emerges during the course of the play.
The playwright beautifully blends the powerful grace of the dance form, Bharatanatyam with the overwhelming torrent of human emotions. Experience the changing façade of people and their outlook against the backdrop of a static world. Victory of perseverance over dominance is secondary, survival of the human spirit is essential.

Performed June 2006

Read the article in the Boise Weekly - Matter of Perspective
Read the article in the Idaho Statesman - Classical Indian Dance

Photo Gallery

Director	Praveen Vaidyanathan
Lights	Sachin Datar
Music	Parag Banerjee Mouli Subramanian Sunil Murthy
Set Construction	Joe Novak Kim Barker
Costumes & Props	Preethi, Radha, Pavani, Aarti and Pallavi
Choreography	Sudha Vasudevan, Nithya Balasubramanian
Make-up	Carrie Padilla

Cast
Amritlal / Old Jairaj	Naga Chandrasekharan
Old Ratna	Geetanjali Tandon
Lata / Young Ratna	Prithvi Shetty
Viswas	Mallesh Rajashekharaiah
Young Jairaj	Praveen Vaidyanathan