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April
3, 2008
 BELLS
OF CHANGE: KATHAK DANCE, WOMEN, AND MODERNITY IN INDIA by visual anthropologist
and Kathak exponent Pallabi Chakravorty, “traces the arc of two centuries
of Kathak: the colonial nautch dance, classical Kathak under nationalism
and post-colonialism, and 'innovation' and 'new directions' under transnationalism
and globalisation."
Pallabi Chakravorty is Assistant Professor in the Dept of Music and Dance at Swarthmore College, USA. Founder and artistic director of Courtyard Dancers, she is an anthropologist, dancer, choreographer, and cultural worker. She received an IFA (India Foundation for the Arts) grant in 1997 to study how women Kathak performers in contemporary India were contesting the elitism, patriarchy and nationalism of the 'classical' idiom. Her book draws partly on the research she undertook with this grant. ISBN: 1905422482 Published by Seagull Books, Kolkata |
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March
3, 2008
 The
book ‘Hand Gestures of Hastalakshanadeepika in Mohiniattam’ by Nirmala
Paniker was released on Feb 8, 2008.
Nirmala Paniker began to look for a connection between the traditional forms of Mohiniattam, Nangiar Koothu and Thiruvathirakalli-all indigenous forms featuring female artistes. This led her to great gurus like Bhanu Asan of Thiruvananthapuram from whom she learned Thiruvathirakali and allied forms and to the venerable Ammanur Madhava Chakyar who enlightened her on the various aspects of abhinaya in Koodiyattam and Nangiar Koothu. The research led her to fill in many gaps in the Mohiniyattom repertoire and to write about Hasthalakshanadeepika and its usages in Mohiniattam. One of her most important contributions is in revitalising the regional aspect of the technique and reviving the Netrabhinaya (expression of the eyes) and Hasthabhinaya (expression by hands or mudras) traditions of Kerala. For details, contact Nirmala Paniker, Director Natanakaisiki, Ammannur Chakyar Madhom, Irinjalakuda 680121 (Kerala, India) E-mail: natanakairali@gmail.com Ph: (91-480) - 2825559 |
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Feb
11, 2008
An audio CD of the Kathakali padams of the play GURUDAKSHINA by Kalanilayam Unnikrishnan and late Kalamandalam Raveendran features padams tuned simply in common ragas like Kalyaani, Madhyamaavathi, Kappi and Poorvikalyaani. Price: Rs.100 |
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Jan
4, 2008
CHAKYAR RAJAN'S VIDEO CDs – Three-in-one set available for art lovers. It contains programs, speeches and tributes. Only the postage cost is expected as this gesture is to spread the great art that was his forte and life long dedication. 
Contact: Padmaja Suresh e-mail: padmajasuresh@mailcity.com or padmajasuresh@hotmail.com |
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KATHAKALISWAROOPAM
in Malayalam is by brothers Mankombu Sivasankara Pillai and Prof. CK Sivarama
Pillai. The work studies how the grammar books ranging from Bharathamuni's
Natya Sastra to the Balaramabharatham of Karthika Thirunal have given Kathakali
an Indian shape and structure.
Published by Mathrubhoomi Books, Cherootty Road, Kozhikode Price: Rs.150 |
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A collector of apoorva kritis, S Balachander's collection of 20 compositions of Syama Sastri, Tyagaraja and Muthuswami Dikshitar, has been published in manuscript form with meticulous swara notation and sahitya. He is a singer, flautist, composer, music critic and scholar. APOORVA KRITI MANJARI has been recorded in two audio volumes by his niece Vijayalakshmi Subramaniam, a disciple of S Rajam. |
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Violinist
A Kanyakumari and her disciple V Sanjeev, present nine tillanas of various
composers to the accompaniment of an orchestra in DANCING MELODIES - the
Tanjore Quartet's Kanada in Tisra Nadai, a piece in Misra Kalyani composed
by Kanyakumari and Sulochana Pattabhiraman, M Balamuralikrishna's Brindhavani,
Thanjavur S Kalyanaraman's Dwijavanthi, a rare tillana by Ramanathpuram
Srinivasa Iyengar in Thodi, and N. Ramani's Madhyamavathi.
Produced by Sa Re Ga Ma, a CD costs Rs.150. |
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Sept
26, 2007
INDIAN MUSIC AND AN ENCHANTING AMALGAM OF DANCE, by Vasanthy Krishna Rao has an overview of various characteristics of Bharatanatyam, various aspects of Carnatic music, different dance and music forms, life histories and details of songs of 5 eminent composers. This book would appeal to both dancers and musicians. Sanjay Prakashan, 4378/4 D-209 JMD House, Ansari Rd, Daryaganj, New Delhi Price: Rs.400 |
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 SANKARA
MENON: PURUSHOTHAMAN, edited by G Sundari, was released on September 22,
2007 at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Chennai, to commemorate K Sankara Menon’s
birth centenary. The book was released by Justice S Mohan and the first
copy received by Dr. Meena Muthiah.
The book contains
scholarly articles by Sankara Menon and tributes paid to him by his past
students at the Besant Theosophical High School, Kalakshetra and friends.
Published by
his grand niece Indu Jayanthi Varma for The People for Children Foundation
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September
22, 2007
 The
latest issue of DRISHTI (No. 11), the magazine focusing on dance and music,
provides delightful fare for readers with different tastes.
Leela Ramanathan, the noted dance historian and writer, delves into the origin and nature of Mohini Attam, in her series on the classical dances of India. Fans of folk dances can read about Veeragase, a popular folk-form of Karnataka. Sneha Nandagopal delineates Veeragase and also chats with GP Jagadish, a veteran Veeragase artist. Calling himself a happy and satisfied artist, R K Padmanabha is one of those musicians who feel the common man is as supportive of good music as any rasika. His joie de vivre comes across in conversation with Anuradha Vikranth. In the forum, Drishti Sadas, leading dancers and musicians express themselves on two issues that often confront any artist: Should I perform for free? Should I pay up when some organizers demand payment for staging my performance? The highlight
of Drishti 11 is the updated Drishti Art Resources, a painstakingly compiled
directory of resources related to music and dance. Dancers, musicians and
anybody related to music and dance swear by it for the authentic information
it provides at their fingertips.
1. Excerpts from the book 'Euphony' by Dr L Subramaniam and Viji Subramaniam - now dealing with the differences between Western and Carnatic notation systems. 2. Legends of our Land, pen portraits of great legends in the field of music in our country, featuring Pudhukotai Dakshinamurthy Pillai. 3. Timeless Indian Traditions - about why we chant 'Om'. 4. Pratima Kosha, excerpts from the 'Encyclopaedia of Indian Iconography', by Prof. S. K. Ramachandra Rao featuring the description of Apsaras. The article gives abundant information on various hand gestures and poses for choreography. 5. Phocus, a photo feature on upcoming artists, on Parshwanath Upadhye, a young, passionate Bharatanatyam artist. 6. Drishtikosh, a guide to dance and music terminology. 7. Briefcase, news about events related to music and dance. The Team: Spotting a niche for a magazine on dance and music, a noted Bharatanatyam dancer from Bangalore, Anuradha Vikranth and her husband, TM Vikranth, launched Drishti in November 2002. Anuradha and Vikranth, along with N Narayan, the other member of the Drishti team, promise you a magazine that delights, diverts, instructs and informs. The growing popularity of Drishti has emboldened them to try and make Drishti a national magazine on dance and music. With that objective, we would like you to contribute to the magazine in any way you think you can – articles, photographs, opinions, suggestions, tips, bouquets and brickbats. Of course, if you also subscribe to Drishti, it will be a matter of great encouragement for us. Thanking
you in anticipation.
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CLASSICAL
DANCES OF INDIA, CD–ROM by Sadhana Productions is targeted at children,
teachers and any one who is curious about Indian dances. It features the
seven dance styles of India: Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi,
Manipuri, Mohiniattam, and Odissi. This interactive resource provides a
tantalizing experience of each dance style by looking at the History, Features,
Costumes and Music.
Contact: Sadhana Productions The Dance Workshop 132 Alcester Road, Birmingham B13 8EE UK Tel: 0121 442 6742, e-mail: info@sadhna.co.uk |
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September
16, 2007
BONDING...A MEMOIR, an autobiography by Vyjayanthimala Bali, is co-authored by Jyoti Sabharwal, and gives insights into her film career and ongoing Bharatanatyam career. It is published by Stellar Publishers. |
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On
Aug 31, 2007 Kalavardhani's releases a DVD titled GANESHA-SKANDHA MARGAM
featuring Bharatanatyam by Aruna Subbiah, a senior disciple of Guru Sudharani
Raghupathy.
The dance performance celebrates two favourite deities - Ganesha and Muruga, through the Margam format of a Bharatanatyam recital. Dance direction is by Sudharani Raghupathy, who has been in the field of Bharatanatyam for six decades now. The live orchestra for the dance performance features Nandini Anand (Vocal), Priya Murle (Nattuvangam), KSR Anirudha (Mridangam) and V Muruganandan (Violin). In the DVD,
each dance composition is preceded by a short introductory narrative in
English. The compositions presented include:
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July
2007
"Krishna in Performing Arts" by Shovana Narayan, published by Eastern Book Corporation Price: Rs.2, 500 |
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"Odissi: An Indian Classical Dance Form"” by Priyambada Mohanty Hejmadi and Ahalya Hejmadi Patnaik, published by Aryan Books International |
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June
26, 2007
At Home in the World: Bharata Natyam on the Global Stage by Janet O'Shea In this critical history of twentieth-century Bharatanatyam, dance scholar Janet O'Shea looks at questions of national, regional, gender, and diasporic identity. At Home in the World investigates the expression of cultural politics through dance choreography and, in turn, how the politics of India and Indian emigrants has affected the performance of Bharatanatyam throughout the world. With over 250 teachers in the United States alone, Bharatanatyam offers a remarkable case study of how a traditional art form moves into the world beyond. Bharatanatyam's journey from India began in the 1920s, as it moved from its traditional home in the temples and courts of South India to the global concert stage. Through figures such as Uday Shankar, Anna Pavlova, Ragini Devi, Ram Gopal, and Ted Shawn, the history of this dance form intersected with the modernist movement in Europe and North America, the ballet revival, and popular performance in the western world. O'Shea carefully untangles the complex associations of Bharatanatyam with other dance and art forms, and looks at contrasting positions taken by practitioners of the Bharatanatyam revival. Drawing on insights from postcolonial studies, women's studies, and globalization studies, she considers how performers of the late twentieth century grapple with questions of identity as they choreograph and perform throughout India and throughout the world. Janet O'Shea is a reader in the department of dance at Middlesex University in the UK, and a dancer. Her articles have appeared in The Drama Review, Asian Theatre Journal, and Dance Research Journal, and she was the 1998 recipient of the Society for Dance History Scholars' Selma Jeanne Cohen Award. For a review
copy or to see a pdf sample from the book, contact
At Home
in the World: Bharata Natyam on the Global Stage
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Dec
9, 2006
'Himakaram' is a famous sequence from 'Asokavanikangam,' the fifth act of 'Ascharyachoodamani’ that is considered the first text in Sanskrit theatre to be used in Koodiyattam. Guru Margi Madhu's institution Nepatya, Centre for Excellence in Koodiyattam, is planning on documentation of Koodiyattom and a DVD of 85 minutes duration on HIMAKARAM is the first of the series. The focus is on Ravana in this episode and deals with his infatuation for Sita. Madhu plays the role of Ravana, that has ample scope for abhinaya. There are English subtitles. Price: Rs.250 Contact: Nepatya Centre for Koodiyattam, Moozhikulam, Kerala |
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 Dec
6, 2006
Book title: Shahaji Yakshagana Prabandalu Author: Dr. Uma Rama Rao Dr. Uma Rama
Rao's "Shahaji Yakshagana Prabandalu" brings alive an unknown facet of
a Maratha ruler. Her book is a page from history. Thanjavur was the seat
of fine arts and culture, especially in the 16th and 17th centuries...
Shahji II (a Bhonsle of Shivaji's descent) saw flowering of with the ruler
himself being a prolific writer. Encapsulating the dramatic element in
these compositions so suited to classical dance in her book, she delves
deep into the spirit and grandeur of language and thought of Shahji, who
was adept in Telugu as if it was his mother tongue. The most interesting
Contact: kolluri_uma@yahoo.com / Phone: (91- 40) - 66789617 & Mobile: 92465 89617 in India |
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Book
Title: BEYOND PERFORMING: ART & CULTURE (Politico-Social Aspects)
Author: V P Dhananjayan, Bharatanaatyam exponent and Guru, founder president, Bharatakalanjali, Adyar, Chennai.
'Beyond performing: art & culture' contains various articles not only on art & culture matters, but also political and social aspects. An interesting attraction in the book is the cartoons on arts and social issues by late Sarathy. Dhananjayan's concern for the welfare of society and peaceful co-existence - both artistically and politically are very much evident and his forthright suggestions to Government and public agencies are thought provoking points. Cho Ramaswamy has written the foreword to this book. The book is Priced @Rs.1195.00 available B.R.Rhythms, email: info@brrhythms.com |
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 RITU
SRINGARA, a popular dance presentation of Padmaja Suresh - VCDs of live
recording for sale.
In Ritu Sringara, Padmaja Suresh uses Bharatanatyam to portray the Baaramasa (12 months) poetry, and link it with paintings. The different styles of the Pahari School of miniature paintings are linked with poetry, which in turn is set to tunes which are blend of Hindustani and Carnatic music. Ritu Sringara
is a ballet choreographed and performed by Padmaja Suresh and depicts the
seasons of the year. It involves visual representation of the classic miniature
paintings, with the episodes having been woven around the paintings, using
the elements common to both. In Bharatanatyam style with lyrics from
Hindi literature in dialects like Avadhi and Brajbhasha. The lyrics are
taken from the works of poets / saints Keshavadas, Govindas, Surdas and
Meera.
Contact: padmajasuresh@mailcity.com
or at the following address
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July
16, 2006
A DVD of BHARATANATYAM ADAVUS (an audio-visual aid for day to day practice of adavus with music) by Jayanthi Subramaniam, was released on July 10, 2006 at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Chennai. Jayanthi's guru Adyar K Lakshman released the DVD and first copy was received by guru SK Kameswaran. For details: (91-44) – 24994145 / jayn61@hotmail.com |
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July
16, 2006
'FLOWERS AT HIS FEET - An Insight into Annamacharya's Compositions' by Pappu Venugopala Rao is an in-depth study of Annamacharya's colossal range of work like Sringara Sankirtanas, Adhyatma Sankirtanas, compositions on various deities, etc. Published by Pappus Academic and Cultural Trust (PACT), 36/11, Canal Bank Road, R. A. Puram, Chennai 600028 Price: Rs.300 |
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July
15, 2006
 Sangeet
Natak, Vol XL, No.1, 2006
'The Performing Arts: A Mantra for Healing' This is a special issue on Healing through the Arts published by Sangeet Natak Akademi. For the first time in the history of any governmental body dedicated to performing arts, this issue talks exclusively about healing through dance, music, theatre, sound, puppetry etc. The 104 page journal is 40 pages more than a normal SNA Journal with some rare photographs capturing the range of work, in cities like Hyderabad, Chennai, Delhi and also for the first time, Andaman and Nicobar islands. It looks at the work being done in Nias, Indonesia and in Singapore, in an attempt to underscore the link that defines the collective vision of Asian tradition of healing. Articles are by Shanta Serbjeet Singh, Shruti, Kanaka Sudhakar, Ambika Kameshwar, Tripura Kashyap, Anurupa Roy, Sangeeta Isvaran, interviews with Syed Sallaudin Pasha and Alvin Tan. Edited by youngest guest editor Lada Guruden Singh. Price: Rs.15
(for individuals), Rs.25 (for institutions/libraries), single issue $5
Cheques/drafts/postal
orders covering subscription should be payable to:
Published by
Sangeet Natak Akademi, Rabindra Bhavan, Feroz Shah Rd, New Delhi 110001
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June
28, 2006
'TOLPAVA KOOTHU: SHADOW PUPPETS OF KERALA' by G Venu (Natana Kairali, Irinjalakuda), is about the shadow puppet theatre tradition of Kerala. The book is an informative source about the making of the puppets, the themes used in the shadow play, the venues where they are performed and so on. Published by Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi and Hope India Publications Price: Rs.295 |
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June
25, 2006
The second edition of NANGYAR KOOTHU by guru Nirmala Paniker was released in January 2006 at the International seminar on Kutiyattam conducted at Trivandrum. The first edition was published in 1992. Sanskrit slokas and its Attaprakarams (acting manuals) of Sreekrishna Charitam Nangyar Koothu have been included in this revised edition. Contact Natana Kairali, Irinjalakuda, Kerala: ((91 - 480) - 2825559 / natanakairali58@yahoo.co.in |
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 Audio
CD NATYOLLASAH by Padmaja Suresh has traditional and thematic Bharatanatyam
repertoire.
It features Todayam, Ganesha Kavutvam, Jatiswaram, Swarajati, Varnam, Javali, Navarasa, Navagraha, Tillana (Spring). The CD is of 80 minutes duration. Cost: Rs.360 in India and Rs.460 outside India including postage. It is available only at Kalpataru Kalavihar, Bangalore, India Contact Padmaja Suresh: padmajasuresh@lycos.com / (91-80) – 23343393 The proceeds from the audio CDs goes towards project 'Kalachaitanya'- the charitable wing of Kalpataru Kalavihar - for propagating arts for underprivileged children. |
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THEATRE
ARTS FOR HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT authored by Ambika Kameshwar released on
March 11, 2006 at Narada Gana Sabha, Chennai.
For details, contact: (91- 44) - 24939916 / rasa_india@yahoo.com |
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NAVKALEVAR
is a beautiful documentary film made by Prithviraj Misra from Orissa about
the ritual of the temple servants going into the forest to search for and
do Puja to the trees to be sacrificed to become the new incarnations of
Jagannath, Balabadra and Subadra for the Puri temple of Puri, Orissa.
It is available on VHS (NTSC system) Contact Barbara Mintz: bhava_dance@hotmail.com |
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A
dancer, choreographer, research scholar and guru, Uma Rama Rao received
her Ph.D. from Telugu University for her exemplary work on "Shahaji Yakshagana
Prabandalu." She was also the recipient of the prestigious Sangeet Natak
Academy Award in 2003 for her contribution to Kuchipudi. She retired as
Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Dance from PS Telugu
University and presently serves as the founder - director of Lasya Priya,
an academy of Indian Dances and Centre for Higher Learning and Research.
She is the author of "Kuchipudi Bharatam" in English and "Telugu Samskruti
and Melattur Bhagavata Mela Natakamulu" in Telugu.
On
Dec 5, 2006, His Excellency Governor of Tamilnadu Shri Surjit Singh Barnala
released the book at a special function at Raj Bhavan, Guindy. This book
is edited by Dhananjayans' senior disciple Tulsi Badrinath and published
by BR Rhythms, New Delhi. Dhananjayan's earlier book 'Dhananjayan on Indian
Classical Dances' was also published by BRR and this has gone in for 3
editions. Success of this book prompted Dhananjayan to launch the present
publication.