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An iconic production choreographed by Rukmini Devi Arundale

In the 1930s, there was much discussion regarding the revival of Sadir, as Bharatanatyam was then known due to its association with the devadasis, hereditary temple dancers. The art form was to be abolished, along with the artistes, when activists E. Krishna Iyer and Rukmini Devi Arundale stepped in to rescue it through the Madras Music Academy and Kalakshetra respectively. Arundale chose to ‘sanitise’ Sadir of any vulgarity, and emphasise bhakti (devotion), thereby creating a Bharatanatyam style characterised by strict angularities and understated expressions. Besides the Bharatanatyam margam that laid the foundation for the dancers, she also created a new genre of dance-dramas that were distinct from Kathakali, Yakshaganas or any other existing dance-theatre form. Of all her dance-dramas, the six-part Ramayana series choreographed during 1955-1970 is perhaps her most enduring contribution. With stalwarts such as Venkatachala Shastri, Chinta Adinarayana Sarma and Peria Sarada choosing the Sanskrit lyrics from Valmiki’s Ramayana, Arundale set about creating the right ambience for the drama of Rama avatar to transcend the stage.

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