Vishwa Shanthi Performing Arts, led by artistic director Shreelata Suresh, will present the dance ballet ‘Samudra Manthan’ in the classical Indian dance style of Bharatha Natyam on May 26. “Samudra Manthan” is one of the best-known episodes in the Indian mythology. The “Samudra Manthan” explains the origin of “amrita”, the nectar of immortality. A cast of 35 talented Dancers will enthrall you for 90 minutes enacting a tug-of-war between Celestial Gods and Demons for the nector of immortality.
This grand operatic production uses the medium of Bharatha Natyam, a 3000+ year old classical dance form of South India. Samudra Manthan, meaning "Churning of the Ocean", depicts the story from ancient texts where the Demigods (Devas) and Demons (Asuras), arch-rivals, are in the competition for supremacy over the three worlds (Earth, Heaven and Hell). Much like present day, the two sides also realize that they sometimes have to collaborate with the enemy and come together to prevent total annihilation. Realizing this, they seek the help of the Supreme Deities, Vishnu and Shiva, to unite and churn the divine ocean, thus extracting the Nectar of Immortality.
Incorporating traditional music, poetry, stunning costumes, drama and pure rhythmic dance, Shreelata and her troupe tap the audience’s visual and auditory senses, while providing clear English explanations to explore the inner spiritual meaning of Hindu mythological stories. Unrivalled in its breadth of emotions, this grand production brings out the grace, strength, humor, obstacles, deceit, conflicts, and flirtatious romances of this mythical tale through a cornucopia of characters. The operatic dance drama format brings together a grand production with many dancers, characters, stories, colors, and costumes appealing to audiences of all ages and cultures.
For more information on this event, click here.
Where: Cowell Theater - 2 Marina Blvd, San Francisco
When: Saturday, May 26 - 3PM
