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January 27, 2012 The Sruti Foundation has launched E-books for netizens interested in Carnatic music and classical dance. The e-books on great Carnatic musicians are ‘Opus on Ariyakudi’, ‘Flute Mali Special’, Palghat Mani Iyer and ‘M.L. Vasanthakumari’. ‘The Transfiguration of a Traditional Dance’ traces the journey of Sadir to Bharatanatyam. The titles are based on the Sruti special issues which were sold-out years ago. The e-book on MLV is also available on Kindle. Back issues of Sruti Magazine are also available as online downloads. Access to these e-books and back issues will be made available to online members who register at www.sruti.com. For more details contact: sruti.magazine@gmail.com |
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January 6, 2012 The
book ‘Odissi Nrutya aur Bharatiya Sanskruti’ by Odissi dancer Suprava
Mishra in Hindi is her second book in Hindi on Odissi Dance. In the first part of the book, the chapters like Bharatiya sangeet, dance and spirituality, temples of India and dance, religion and dance, Indian theatre, aesthetics and dance, the relation of different art form with dance, guru-sishya tradition in Indian culture, the emerging of modern dance from Indian classical dance, important folk dances of India. Second part is about the dance tradition in Odisha in Jain Yuga and Baudha Yuga , The evolution to present day Odissi from Kharavela Yuga, the evolution of modern dance from ballet dance, Natraj in Odisha sculpture, Bandha Nrutya, description of different traditional songs of Odisha, life of Kabichandra Kalicharan- the father of Odissi dance, different folk dances of Odisha, a brief review of ‘Kishor Chandrananda Champu’ of Kabisurya Baladev Ratha, review of Kalidas’s ‘Abhigyan Sakuntalam.’ Third part is about the practical aspect of Odissi dance. Chapters are Ashtasmbhu, Nabarasa, Dasabatara, Geeta Gobinda, Karanas, Angahar, Beli, Mahari, different parts of Odissi dance like Mangalacharan, Batu, Pallavi, Abhinaya and Mokshya are included with their notation. In mangalacharan, Ganesh Stuti, Ganesh Tandav, Narayana Stuti, Shivastaka, ShivaTandava, Panchatatwa Stuti, Harihara Sabda, Mahakali Stuti etc are included. Notation of different Pallavi like Kalavati, Kalyan, Vasant, Mohana, Saveri, Hamsadhwani are included. Abhinaya in Debanagari script with meaning in Hindi is included. Colour photos of Mukteshwar temple, Konark temple and photos of different rasas are included. Published in 2012, pages 176, colour illustrations - 34, B/W Illustrations - 28, Hard bound size - 22x30 cms. Price: Rs. 1500 Contact: Suprava Mishra, 6 Raj Residency, Opp Shilaj Lake, Shilaj, Ahmedabad 380058 Ph: 91 2717 293353, Mobile: 9427214800, e-mail: supravamishra@gmail.com |
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Dec 13, 2011 UNFINISHED GESTURES:
Devadasis, Memory, and Modernity in South India, by Davesh
SonejiUnfinished Gestures presents the social and cultural history of courtesans in South India who are generally called devadasis, focusing on their encounters with colonial modernity in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Following a hundred years of vociferous social reform, including a 1947 law that criminalized their lifestyles, the women in devadasi communities contend with severe social stigma and economic and cultural disenfranchisement. Adroitly combining ethnographic fieldwork with historical research, Davesh Soneji provides a comprehensive portrait of these marginalized women and unsettles received ideas about relations among them, the aesthetic roots of their performances, and the political efficacy of social reform in their communities. Ranging over courtly and private salon performances of music and dance by devadasis in the nineteenth century, the political mobilization of devadasi identity in the twentieth century, and the post-reform lives of women in these communities today, Unfinished Gestures charts the historical fissures that lie beneath cultural modernity in South India. Cloth $72.00, ISBN: 9780226768090 Paper $24.00 ISBN: 9780226768106 Published by University of Chicago Press, 312 pages Davesh Soneji is associate professor of South Asian religions at McGill University, Montréal, Canada. He is coeditor of Performing Pasts: Reinventing the Arts in Modern South India and editor of Bharatanatyam: A Reader. |
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October 23, 2011 THE DANCE ORISSI by Mohan Khokar and Ashish KhokarThe classical dance form from Orissa is Orissi. Bit like the word, it is simple, refreshing and poetic. Lyrical, sensuous and fluid too. The history and heritage of Orissi is vast, covering two centuries of rulers and practitioners who added and enhanced the body-work of the form found first in inscriptions and temple carvings, including in tantric yogini cult. This the first ever in-depth, authoritative and scholarly account on the intricate and extensive heritage and history of the form and of the rulers and kings who embellished it and the pioneering gurus and dancers who polished it to shine like a perfectly chiseled gem it is today. The story of Orissi is the story of the performing arts of Orissa for it is one form in which music, dance and drama coalesce. Its connections with the temples and the courts, the dancers and the gurus have been traced in this historical document. The four pillars of the form, Gurus Pankaj Charan Das, Kelucharan Mohapatra, Deba Prasad Das and Mayadhar Raut, have been profiled at length because to them we owe the revival and survival of Orissi as we see it today. Principal exponents and stars and some prominent students too feature in this book. This book with over 700 illustrations spread over 400 pages, took ten years to complete and is the most definitive account of the form. This is the last book the pioneering scholar, dance-historian and collector Late Prof. Mohan Khokar wrote and left unfinished. His son and successor, Ashish Khokar has helped complete it. 2011, Pp. 339 Col. / Illus. 163 B/W Illus. 258 / Size: 30x22 cms ISBN 81-7017-438-4 / Price: Rs. 3360 Published by: Abhinav Publications, New Delhi Ph: (91-11) - 26566387, 26524658, 44128717 e-mail: abhinavpublications@airtelmail.in |
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Sept 14, 2011 DRISHTI 15 - The
highlight of this issue is the updated Drishti Art
Resources, periodical directory of dancers, musicians,
art-related technicians, institutes of music and dance,
and other art-related establishments. The data in the
directory has been compiled with care but corrections and
additions, if any, are welcome. For increasing its
usefulness, there are plans to make it available online
soon.In the past few months, Creative Director, Anuradha Vikranth met legends in the field of dance - Guru Kumudini Lakhia, Yamini Krishnamurthy, and Dr Padma Subrahmanyam and presents glimpses of her inspiring interactions with them. Tributes to Shrish Mohan and Dr Nataraja Ramakrishna, some of the great personalities who passed away in the past few months – the world of dance will sorely miss them. Artists from Karnataka have received many awards, in recent months. India’s best known dance historian Ashish Khokar, in his inimitable style, continues his column 'Dance of Yesteryears'. In 'Folk Forms of Karnataka', Sneha Nandagopal features 'Chit Mela'; in 'Dancing: How it all began', Leela Ramanathan talks in brief about all the recognized classical dances of India. Other regular features and interesting articles await your perusal. From this issue, a new series, Drishti Drishya Gnyana is a contest for you, where each issue will feature rare photographs of one of our legendary artists. Guess the name of the artist and win a prize. Price: Rs.50 Info: drishtiartcentre@gmail.com / www.drishtimag.com |
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Sept 3, 2011 Roshen Alkazi's
Books on Ancient & Medieval Indian Costume, two
authoritative books on the history of Indian costumes.
Roshan Alkazi (1926- 2007) has made a detailed study of
Indian costumes of the earliest times up to the Gupta
period and this book surveys the evolution of costume from
321BC to 815AD of India’s great civilizations - Costumes,
headgear & hairstyles, jewellery, textiles and dyes. Ancient Indian Costume: 222 pages, ISBN: 978-1-890206-83-3, Price: Rs.3000 Medieval Indian Costume: 332 pages, ISBN: 978-1-890206-45-1, Price: Rs.4500 Two volume set: RS.7000, Published by Art Heritage, New Delhi To order: Theater & Television Associates, E 30 Greater Kailash 2, New Delhi 110048 Ph: +91 98101 66643, e-mail: nallana@rocketmail.com |
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August 8, 2011A culture book on the innovations in Indian arts and culture across 60 years of Independent India titled PATHFINDERS is published by Ace Publications & Promotions. ‘Pathfinders: A journey through art and culture over the last sixty years of the Indian Republic’ is a 463 page hardbound treasure replete with beautiful and rare archival images, essays on each segment, and write-ups on the profiled artistes focusing on their unique contribution to the field, and interviews with select artistes. There are six segments in all - music, visual arts, dance, literature, theatre and cinema - on personalities who have left a lasting legacy, and two interviews in each section apart from articles.'Pathfinders' is the brainchild of Sashi Vyas, son of renowned musician CR Vyas, who was struck by the lack of archival documentation of the contribution of our cultural icons in the renaissance of Indian culture post independence. Some of the greats profiled in the music section include Aruyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar, Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer, Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Kahna, Kishori Amonkar, DK Pattammal, TR Mahalingam, Amjad Ali Khan, Shivkumar Sharma, MS Subbulakshmi, CR Vyas, Ali Akbar Khan, Bhimsen Joshi, Zakir Hussain. The visual arts section features articles on MF Hussain, Bhupen Khakkar, Nalini Malani, VS Gaitonde, KG Subramanyan, Akbar Padamsee and so on. The dance section has interviews of Birju Maharaj and Padma Subrahmanyam and articles on Yamini Krishnamurthy, Vempati Chinna Sathyam, T Balasaraswati, Painkulam Rama Chakyar, Uday Shankar, Sonal Mansingh, Astad Deboo, Guru Bipin Singh, Kelucharan Mohapatra, Chandralekha, Kumudhini Lakhia, Kalamandalam Gopi etc. The literature section features profiles of Jayakanthan, Sujata (Rangarajan), OV VIjayan, Agyeya, Dr.Shivrama Karanth, Saadat Hasan Manto, Vaikkom Mohammed Basheer, Mahasweta Devi, Ismat Chugtai, BS Mardhekar and so on. Some of the artistes profiled in the theatre section are Badal Sircar, BV Karanth, Ratan Thiyam, Satyadev Dubey, Kavalam Narayana Panikkar, Naseeruddin Shah, Vijay Tendulkar, Utpal Dutt, Habib Tanvir and the interviews are of Vijaya Mehta and Girish Karnad. The cinema section features interviews of Shyam Benegal and Aparna Sen and some of the featured artistes include Guru Dutt, Mani Ratnam, Satyajit Ray, Mrinal Sen, K Balachander, V Shantaram, Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Girish Kasaravalli. Published by Ace Publications & Promotions Pvt Ltd, Mumbai Number of pages: 463, Size: 13” x 11” ISBN: 978-81-920196-0-4 / Price: RS.6000 or USD 150 Contact: acepathfinders@gmail.com |
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August 3, 2011CONTEMPORARY INDIAN DANCENEW CREATIVE CHOREOGRAPHY IN INDIA AND THE DIASPORA by Ketu H Katrak  Contemporary Indian Dance
delineates a new language of dance - multi-layered and
multivocal- in India and the diaspora. This language unfolds at the intersection of classical Indian dance forms with yoga, pan-Asian dance and martial arts traditions as well as modern and postmodern dance, and theatrical tools that result in hybrid dance creations. Cutting edge themes - ethnicity, gender and sexuality - are inspired by artists' geographical locations in the global North or South. This study is grounded historically (the revival of Indian dance in early 20th century), and examines today's phenomena of globalization and diaspora that impact artists in India and worldwide. It includes creative choreography (with over 30 images) from selected artists and pioneers that has impact and reverberates in 'an ancestry of gesture' in the work of emerging choreographers. An interdisciplinary and comparative approach makes visible inter-connections among artists in sites as distant and disparate as Toronto to Chennai, and London to Los Angeles. Contents List of Illustrations | Series Preface | Acknowledgements | Preface: Multiple Idioms of Contemporary Indian Dance | Glossary | Introduction: Theoretical Frames: Ways of Looking at Contemporary Indian Dance | Contested Histories of 'Revivals' of Classical Indian Dance and Early Pioneers of Contemporary Indian Dance | Abstract Dance with Rasa: Pioneers Astad Deboo and Shobana Jeyasingh | Beyond Tradition: Contemporary Choreography by Masters of Traditional Indian Dance and Emerging Artists Innovating in Contemporary Choreography | Hybrid Artists and Transnational Collaborations: Chennai, Toronto, Kuala Lumpur | Dancing in the Diaspora Part I: North America | Dancing in the Diaspora Part II: Britain | Conclusion: Ways of Looking Ahead | Endnotes | Bibliography | Index KETU H KATRAK, born in Bombay, India, is Professor in the Department of Drama at the University of California, Irvine. Published by Palgrave (UK) Promo Code: P356ED / ISBN: 0-230-27855-8 Price: $85.00 View flyer |
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July 1, 2011 The latest issue of Indian Folklife - the 38th issue, is out! Guest edited by Heike Moser, this issue is on the traditional Sanskrit theater of Kerala - Kutiyattam. It is titled KUTIYATTAM: 10 YEARS AFTER THE UNESCO DECLARATION. With over fifteen contributions, the journal is unique as it reflects the opinions and ideas of both scholars and artistes of Kutiyattam. https://www.indianfolklore.org/journals/index.php/IFL |
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June 19, 2011Books by Guru S Balachandra Raju, Music & Dance Teacher, Director, Kanchi Kamakoti Peeta Asthana vidwan.1. Natana mudiraigal (Tamil) - Rs 40 2. Natyamum Yogak Kalaiyum (Tamil) - Rs 40 3. Natya Nattuvanga Saram - a detailed study about art of nattuvangam (Tamil) - Rs. 100 4. Isai Natya Palligal Amaippadu Eppadi? - Vasthu lakshanas for Music and Dance school (Tamil) - Rs 45 5. Natana Manjari - 100 compositions for Bharathanatyam Rs.200 (CD First part) 6. Chithambara Pancha Rathnam (5 songs on Lord Chithambaram which is equal to Varnam sung by Dr. Sirgazi Sivachithambaram) - Rs 100 with CD 7. Natana Adavugal - Tamil revised and enlarged edition - Rs 210 8. Chithira Nardhanam & Alankara Natanangal - Rs 35 9. Natana Adavugal in English - Rs 500. Translation by B Shivaranjani The books are released by Shivaranjani Publications, 12A Sakthi Nagar 2nd St, Choolaimedu, Chennai 600094. Ph: (044) - 23741154 or + 91 9884455286, natyacharyaschools@gmail.com |
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June 15, 2011 Sruti, May 2011. This issue features a profile on guru 'Adyar K Lakshman - A true sangeetagna' by S Janaki and second part of the feature on Natyacharya V.S. Muthuswami Pillai by Sujatha Vijayaraghavan and recollections by his disciples. Read 'Dancer's Diary' by Roja Kannan and Mythili Prakash. Plus there are reports, interviews and articles on things musical. Price: Rs. 45 Contact address: The Sruti Foundation, 9 Cathedral Road, Chennai 600 086 Ph: (91 - 44) - 28128070 & 28128073. Email: sruti.magazine@gmail.com and srutimagz@gmail.com Website: www.sruti.com |
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June 15, 2011KN DANDAYUDAPANI PILLAI: LIFE AND CONTRIBUTION is a book on the legendary Bharatanatyam teacher. It was released on June 5, 2011 at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Chennai. |
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May 21, 2011Culture Vistas releases a Mohiniattam DVD of 40 minutes duration with performance by Sunanda Nair featuring Ananda Ganapathi, Mukhachalam, Chaliye Kunjana Mo, Nrithyathi Nrithyathi. Price: Rs.395 Contact: Culture Vistas Marketing Services Pvt Ltd, Kaudiyar, Thiruvananthapuram 695003 Ph: +91 471 2311025 ; e-mail: info@cultureshoppe.com Info: sunandanair@aol.com / www.sunandanair.com |
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May 4, 2011DANCE, DANCERS AND MUSICIANSCollected writings of Nandini Ramani, well known Bharatanatyam exponent, who has inherited the legacy of her Sanskrit scholar father Dr. V Raghavan and the legendary T Balasaraswati. Nandini has been associated with The Hindu for 15 years as its resident dance correspondent. She is respected for her unbiased, analytical and constructive approach to dance criticism. Published by Dr. V Raghavan Centre for Performing Arts, Chennai Price: Rs.350 Contact Nandini Ramani at: (044) - 24430344 / rvramani@vsnl.com |
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May 4, 2011ODISSI ANNUALIt was released on the occasion of Odissi International 2010 in December, at Bhubaneswar. It features tributes to Guru Surendranath Jena, Dhirendra Nath Patnaik, Dullav Chandra Singh and Asako Takami, articles on personality Laxmipriya Mohaptra, on institution Orissa Dance Academy, Odissi tailors, profiles of ten young talents, Odissi in Russia and an interview with Pakistani dancer Sheema Kermani. Published by Shyamhari Chakra on behalf of Samskritiki Price: Rs.150 Contact: samskritiki@gmail.com, +91 94371 08815 |
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April 2, 2011Swathi Soft Solutions presents audio Cd SANGEETA LAHIRI (Geetham, Vaadyam and Nrityam) in its Sanskriti series. Guru VP Dhananjayan has penned the songs and composed music too. Famed Carnatic and playback singer P Unnikrishnan has rendered the songs evocatively. Nandini Ramani – scholar and critic –comments that the songs are suitable for concert singing as well as for natya choreography. Sriramkumar (violin), KV Prasad (mridangam), Karthik (ghatam) give accompaniment. The repertoire is drawn from Dhananjayan’s Bharatanatyam compositions. This compilation embodies his complete Bharatanatyam repertoire in Malayalam (both lyrics and music). For consummate understanding and enjoyment of the music, the lyrics in Malayalam and its transliteration in English is given in the enclosed printed booklet. Produced and marketed by Swathi Soft Solutions. Price: Rs.150 e-mail: solutions@swathigroup.com / (044) - 42316060 |
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NRITYA MARGA MUKURA |
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Jan 28, 2011eParampara Infotainment , the pioneers in Bharatanatyam products have released four DVDs of Priyadarsini Govind and two DVDs of Lavanya Ananth under their 'Kalakriya Series'.Bharatanatyam dancer Priyadarsini Govind presents a hearty fare through four DVDs- two on Abhinaya and two on Thillana- released during the December Season. The mesmerizing charm of Thillana has been captured in detail in Ruchira Thillana and Mohana Thillana'. Besides the sparkling solo performances by Priyadarsini Govind and Anajana Anand, there is a captivating Thillana duet performed by Apoorva Jayaraman & Shwetha. A wealth of information on thillana by way of Priyadarsini's lucid introduction encompassing the structure, the concomitant adavu patterns, adavu korvais, pancha nadais, attamis and commonly used ragas is a delectable value addition that students will lap up with relish.
Bhava Pravaaham contains some select items hand-picked and introduced by Priyadarsini Govind. Here there is a fine sprinkling of compositions in different languages, by ace composers across India depicting different moods, characters and situations. Each item unfolds as a solo performance by Priyadarsini Govind or Apoorva Jayaraman or Shwetha Prachande, her promising disciples.
Similarly Rasanubhava presents a unique abhinaya experience through legendary compositions in Tamil, Telugu and Kannada. Selected and choreographed by Priyadarsini, each item is introduced by the danseuse herself detailing its genre, composer, meaning of the lyrics and the mood portrayed. While the composition in the kavadi chindhu format is presented as a duet by Apoorva and Shweta, the other items unfold as captivating solos.
The first DVD of Lavanya Ananth titled 'Aavaahanam-summoning the celestials' unveils the features and finer aspects of Nrittanjali, a unique invocatory piece in the pure dance genre which involves an arresting array of body movements and footwork. There are some pulsating Nrittanjalis followed by Sthutis by ancient Indian saints on Ardha Nariswara (the half woman manifestation of Shiva), Harihara (the form of Shiva who is half Vishnu) and Amba (the Universal Mother) adapted for music and dance. The performance is preceded by a coherent introduction of the item and word-by-word description of the lyrics, context and the mood portrayed in it. 'Samhita- A miscellany & the mastery' is essentially a well-packaged Margam comprising Mallari, Varnam, Javali, Ashtapadi and Swaralaya that straddle compositions in different languages on different deities and depicting different emotions. These products are available in the leading retail outlets and can also be ordered online through www.kalakriya.com |
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January 21, 2011 ‘MY JOURNEY IN
DANCE’ by GURU PRATAP PAWAR, as told to Ashish Mohan
Khokar, was released in New Delhi on January 13, 2011. The book is reconstructing history of Kathak in independent India through the personage of the first ganda-bandh (official) shishya of Guru Pratap Pawar. He was sent by ICCR In 1972 to faraway lands like Guyana and Trinidad to teach Kathak and after that he settled in the UK to do so. lots of new and interesting dance tales and myths are shared and some shattered! The book is visually a very rich treat with rare pictures from India's largest dance archives The Mohan Khokar Dance Collection. Many non-dance iconic names like Asha Bhonsale, H.H. Gaj Singh of Jodhpur and Amjad Ali Khan have contributed their reminiscences. The President of India has sent a message and Dr Karan Singh, the Foreword. A4 size, 142 pages, 130 pics Published by Ekah-Bios/Clarions Price: Rs 1500/-, £25, $50 E40 ISBN: 978-81-216-1577-8 |
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January 6, 2011 ODISSI YATRA: THE
JOURNEY OF GURU MAYADHAR RAUT by Aadya Kaktikar, edited by
Madhumita Raut The history of Odissi dance over the last 60 years is the story of the life and work of Guru Mayadhar Raut. Known as one of the four pillars of Odissi, his style of Odissi (Mayadhar Raut paddhati) is Bhava Pradhan. The book captures the dynamic years of the 30s, 40s to the 70s in the world of Odissi. It describes, in detail, the struggle and the hardships undergone in redefining and codifying Odissi as one of the prominent dance forms of India. It elaborates the initial years of all the gurus and scholars together at Jayantika and the making of Kala Vikas Kendra. Illustrated with rare photographs, it also gives a detailed and delightful glimpse into the world of Kalakshetra. Published by BR Rhythms, Delhi ISBN: 978-81-88827-21-3 Price: Rs.1995 |
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October 30, 2010SHANMUKHA, the professional quarterly magazine devoted to Indian classical music and dance, is brought out by Sri Shanmukhananda Fine Arts & Sangeetha Sabha, Mumbai.Its Special Issue (October-December 2010) is in commemoration of the birth bicentennial and centenary of Vadivelu (of the Thanjavur Quartet) and Vazhuvoor Ramiah Pillai, respectively.  Theme: "Banis of Bharatanatyam and Recent Trends" Contents Cover - Portrait of Lord Nataraja Dedicatory page (Dedicated to the Thanjavur Quartet and Vazhuvoor Ramiah Pillai) Nataraja Darshan - a portfolio of photos of Nataraja from sculptures and paintings (taken by Lalitha Venkat)
However subscribers will get the issue at the usual price of Rs.20 / 11.25USD Annual subscription is Rs.80 (India) or 45USD (abroad-Rs.2025) For the subscription form and other details, write to: bhamusic22@gmail.com Ph: (91-22) - 24013207 (5pm to 7pm on weekdays) |
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Sep 19, 2010 A book release
function was organised on 22nd August 2010 at Tattvaloka
Hall, Chennai, by the Dr. V. Raghavan Centre for
Performing Arts. The occasion was the 102nd birth
anniversary function of Dr. V Raghavan. Two books
published by the Centre were released during the function.
One was 'Readings from the Bhagavad Gita by Dr. V.
Raghavan. The second book should be of interest to dance
students, researchers and teachers. The name of the book is "Journey through a Tradition: Kandappa - T Balasaraswati Bharatanatyam Technique." The original book in Tamil was written by Dr. V. Raghavan more than 50 years ago. This is an English translation by his daughter Nandini Ramani who is one of the senior disciples of the late Bala. She has added two new chapters titled (1) Dr. V Raghavan's Contribution to a unique Natya sampradaya, and (2) The Bala Legacy. The Foreword for the book is by Prof. C.V. Chandrasekhar, The book is priced at only Rs. 170. The book was released by Prof. Sudharani Raghupathy; the first copy was received by S. Janaki, Executive Editor of Sruti magazine, in the presence of Jayant Kastuar, Secretary, Sangeet Natak Akademi. For more details, contact Nandini Ramani: (91-44) - 24430344. |
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Aug 21, 2010Release of KATHAKALIPPADANGAL Part II - a text on Kathakali by Achuthan Kutty.The second volume of Kathakalippadangal, containing Kottayam Kathakal (Bakavadham, Kirmeeravadham, Kalyanasaugandhikam & Kalakeyavadham) & Nalacharitham (4 dayas) was released on the 12th of August at Dr KN Pisharoty Smaraka Kathakali Club Irinjalakkuda. Published by: Thiranottam, Dubai Special publication offer to Kathakali connoisseurs of Narthaki community Rs 150 (Priced Rs 200) Pls contact Aniyan Irinjalakkuda 09249800700 or 99475 98344, (0466)-2285 901 kathakalippadangal@yahoo.com, achuveta@gmail.com Note: The text contains all popular parts of the story with stage notations and meaning of Slokams and Padams. Achuthan Kutty, Thantra Academy, [Po] Vellinezhi, Dt. Palakkad, Kerala 679 504. |
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July 20, 2010 Bharatanatyam
artiste Shashikala Ravi of Pune has released a DVD titled
THE DANCE OF SHIVA. The DVD is produced and released by
Swathi Solutions as a part of their Sanskriti Series. THE
DANCE OF SHIVA is an exploration of some of the cosmic
dances of Lord Shiva, more situational in its aspect -
when, where and why it took place. It is a solo dance
ballet choreographed by Shashikala Ravi in Ragamalika and
Talamalika. All the lyrics and images used are from the
book Shiva Thandavangal written by the Gnanacheri Swami
Sri Sadashiva Bramendrar of Chennai. Shashikala Ravi made an official release of the DVD on 11th July in Pune at her Amritanjali Dance Studio. She is the founder director of Amritanjali School of Bharatanatyam in Pune. She is a student of late Guru Swarna Saraswathy of Bharatanatya Academy, Delhi and Kalanidhi Narayan, Chennai. She has been trained in Carnatic vocal music by her mother, Thanga Varadarajan. Price: Rs.350. You can buy the DVD on the net from www.kalakendra.com or from the regular outlets of Swati Solutions in all major cities. |
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 Ojasi
Sukhatankar's ABHINAYA THEMES IN INDIAN CLASSICAL KATHAK
DANCE: A contextual reading in relation to pre-modern and
modern Indian society (ISBN 978-3639236354), is published
by Verlag Dr. Muller Publishing House Ltd. This book deals with a contextual analysis of Kathak dance in relation to the differences between pre-modern Indian society with its modern times. With theoretical perspectives about thematic trends in dance, the traditional repertoire of Kathak performance in a socio-religious context is analyzed to study its growth and development. The discussion in various chapters tries to show how perception of art is affected by its divergence of context in various times in which it is presented. It also analyses how different social institutions, culture, tradition and religious systems of a society can be understood by studying the dance-form practised during those times in society. A practice-based choreographic project facilitates readers of different cultural background other than the Indian audience to understand both universality and limitation of Kathak styles. In spite of its focus on Kathak dance the scholarly treatment of theory and practice serves both the student and practitioner of any dance-form to take inspiration for socio-cultural research in any context of time. |
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June 20, 2010 MAYURA PRIYA NADHAM - dance creations by mridhangam artist Mayavaram T Viswanathan and music composed by Padma Seshadri sisters Randini and Roshini. Manufactured and distributed by Viswam Fine Arts, Chennai Info: 94444 43778 / viswam996@yahoo.co.in |
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BALASARASWATI: HER ART AND LIFE is the first biography of
T Balasaraswati (1918-1984). Balasaraswati was a dancer
and musician from southern India who was hailed as India's
greatest dancer and acclaimed as "one of the greatest
performing artists of the 20th century" by the New York
Times. She was a passionate revolutionary, an entirely
modern artist, and her art and life defined the heart of
traditional Bharatanatyam. Although steeped in the
traditions of her culture and revered as the purest of
hereditary performers, Balasaraswati's impact on
contemporary dance in India and the United States has been
acknowledged by some of the most recognized personalities
in dance, including Martha Graham, Merce Cunningham, and
Paul Taylor. |
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March 30, 2010THE DANCE OF SHIVA - Fourteen Indian Essays, by Ananda CoomaraswamyShivalik Prakashan, 27/16 Shakti Nagar, New Delhi 110007 Price: Rs.300. |
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Feb 4, 2010 Routledge an imprint
of Taylor and Francis Group, has launched a book DANCE
MATTERS: PERFORMING INDIA. About the book: India has a long tradition, both textual and oral, of producing knowledge about the art – ritual - practice of dance. As new methods of understanding, analysing and teaching emerge, new thinking an investigation is required to show how dance is a foundational socio-cultural development that is local and global, critical and emotional, personal and political. This anthology makes a dramatic shift from established narratives of dance history and practice to bring to the forefront debates on history, aesthetics, identity, and globalisation, embedded and embodied in and through dance. It thus catapults dance into the vortex of debates in social theory, and reflects its multidimensional aspects by locating it within anthropology, art history, and religious, postcolonial, and feminist studies. This expansion of the discourse on Indian dance infuses the global with local voices, issues, and concerns. The articles attempt to look at dance as a lived and practiced phenomenon in contemporary times. They are unique in that they bring together the thoughts and experiences of both theorists and practitioners, and examine how the meaning and significance of dance has shifted in changing historical and political regimes. Readership: Discussing dance in many of its manifestations - contemporary and historical, classical and folk, commercial and aesthetic - the book seeks to understand this form of human expression that has remained curiously under-explored in academic discourse. Academics and students of cultural studies, fine arts and history, and especially dance departments and institutes will find this useful. About the Editors: Pallabi Chakravorty is Assistant Professor and Acting Director of the Dance Program, Swarthmore College, USA. Nilanjana Gupta is Director, School of Media Communication and Culture, and Professor of English at Jadavpur University, Kolkata Published by: Routledge, New Delhi Hardback: 978-0-415-55375-9 (ISBN), Price: Rs. 795, Pages: 312. |
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Jan 24, 2010RUKMINI DEVI: A LIFE by Leela Samson, was released by Gopalakrishna Gandhi, former Governor of West Bengal, at Kalakshetra Foundation under the Banyan Tree on 23rd January 2010. The book is a warm and candid portrait of the artist and her times. Spanning eighty years of a momentous century, across continents and countries, from the early 20th century and post-1947 India, this is the story of an extraordinary woman who had a vision of a modern India.Leela Samson is a dancer, teacher, writer and choreographer of Bharatanatyam. She is deeply influenced by philosophical thought and by the work of Rukmini Devi. She took over as Director of the Kalakshetra Foundation in May 2005. Published by Penguin Books India, price: Rs.550 Info: (91 – 11) - 4613 1412. |
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Dec 6, 2009 MUDRARNAVA, a thesis
book upon Hasta-Mudras, written by BN Manorama, journalism
lecturer and editor of 'Noopura Bhramari' bi-monthly on
Performing Arts, was released at Janardhana Swamy Temple,
Ujire, Dharmasthala, on Nov 22, 2009. Book Price: 250Rs, Pages: 350, Language: Kannada Publisher: Kuriya Vittala Shastri Yakshagana Pratishtana, Ujire. Hasta Mudra is an interdisciplinary subject. The book has covered all the dance mudras used in Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, Odissi, Manipuri, Yoga, Mudra chikitsa, Hindu rituals, Veda-Purana-Shastra, Hasta Samudrika, Iconography and Common Communication Status along with Hasta Mudra's political, religious, social nature and history. The book also covers the survey of viewers of dance, in-depth interviews of scholars and experts, and qualitative analysis. The book is an analysis of important books related to dance styles such as Natyashastra, Abhinayadarpana, Hastamukthavali, Hastalakshanadeepika, Hatayoga Pradeepika and a discovery of many old hasta mudras. Contact: manorama@noopurabhramari.com |
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Nov 29, 2009 Titled A DANCE IN DIVINITY, Saila Sudha releases a DVD along with an Audio CD in Kuchipudi performed by Prof. Sailaja. The DVD will be released on 13th Dec’09 at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Chennai, by Sonal Mansingh. The proceeds go towards the charitable cause of under privileged children. Available in all leading retail outlets. Contact: saila_sudha2006@yahoo.com |
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Aug 20, 2009 'Karana Prakaranam,
Marga Tradition Revived' is a DVD by Padma Subrahmanyam,
the result of 40 years of research. Produced by
Nrithyodaya for Swathi Soft Solutions, the DVD was
released on Aug 1, 2009 to commemorate the 80th birth
anniversary of Padma Subrahmanyam's brother V Balakrishnan
and 75th birth anniversary of his wife Shyamala
Balakrishnan. The DVD includes basic training for Angika Abhinaya like Angas, Upangas of the body and face, Hastas, Sthanas, Caris, Karanas, Saushtava, Recakas, Angaharas, Pindis, Mandalas and Kalpana. The 108 karanas, the basic units of dance, have been demonstrated along with the relevant sculptures interspersed. Vocal support for slokas and songs has been provided by Shyamala Balakrishnan and the prime locations it features are those shot by Balakrishnan. Price: Rs.650 |
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 On July 15, 2009 eParampara Infotainment launched 2 DVDs of Bharatanatyam dancer Chitra Visweswaran's recitals in the 90s - ANU SMRUTI (Cherished recollections - excerpts from recitals in Srilanka) & NATYA NIVEDANA (Aesthetic offering - excerpts from recitals in UK). They feature introductions to each piece given by the dancer herself, with information on the context in which a particular piece was created or choreographed, its significance and special features. e-mail: chidambaramacademy@gmail.com |
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June 6, 2009 On the occasion of
Annamacharya’s 601 birth anniversary which falls on May 9,
a book on Annamacharya's sankeertanas was released
at NTR Kalamandiram, Telugu University, Hyderabad. The aim
is to spread the message of Annamacharya's sankeertanas,
particularly to singers. ANNAMAYA PADAMRITHAVARSHINI is
brought out by Sujanranjan, an organisation devoted to the
work of popularising Annamacharya sankeertanas. The book has commentary for all the 310 songs including Adhyathma and Sringara sankeertanas. The commentary has been given by GB Sankara Rao, Biochemistry post graduate who is working as a Quality Assurance Officer in Shantha Biotechnics Ltd., Hyderabad and the songs are compiled by Mahidhara Sita Rama Sarma. The book is especially meant for singers to understand the meaning of songs which will give them an opportunity to perform with Thadthmya Bhava. There have been attempts to provide commentary to Annamacharya's sankeertanas earlier. Legends like Late Rallapalli Anantha Krishna Sarma, Samudrala Lakshmanayya and Nedunuri Krishnamurthy have worked on commentary orientation. The book also comes with meanings of critical words like Kanduva, Nirathi, Kouthukamu, Sogisi, Solasi, Soridi, Araya, Arasi, Adanu, Podimi, Chennu, Thathi, Pogaru vennela, Selavi navvulu, Ulipacchi navvulu etc. Besides being a guide to singers, the book will also help dancers to choreograph the songs. The book also includes two separate sections of Mangala Harathi and Aradhana Sankeerthanas of Annamayya. Price: Rs.100 (On 50% discount) Books available at: Sujanaranjani, SRT 922, Sanathnagar, Hyderabad 500018 Mobile: 93464 79649 / e-mail: shankargandham@gmail.com |
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May 24, 2009Odissi dancer/teacher, Uday Kumar Shetty (director of Kalatheera, Bangalore) is publishing and editing a periodical KALASPANDANA, a monthly in Kannada and English language versions for the cause of propagating and creating awareness of the traditional dance forms, contemporary dances & folk art forms. The contributing panel consists of eminent scholars, dance/art historians, folklorists like Prof. Sunil Kothari, Dr. AV Navada, Dr. Raghu Raj Bhat (Kathak), Sudha Shridhar, Dr. Chetana Radhakrishna, Dr. Radhika Ranjini etc.The inaugural issue was released by Guru MR Krishnamurthy (Kitoo Sir of Kalakshithi) on May 22, 2009 at Nayana Rangamandira, Bangalore. Contact: Mob: - 09448046368 / kalatheera@yahoo.com |
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May 18, 2009 'Dynamic women
dancers' by Anne Dublin (Canada) Anne Dublin is a former teacher-librarian in Toronto. Dynamic Women Dancers is the fourteenth title in the Women's Hall of Fame Series. The book profiles ten women dancers from around the world. From classical ballet to modern, flamenco, and Bharatanatyam, these women have made the dance world their stage, performing and teaching all over the globe. All of them have helped transform their style of dance, paving the way for the next generation. These women share a commitment to making a difference in the world of dance and beyond. Anna Pavlova, one of history's greatest ballerinas, brought classical ballet to all corners of the globe. Bharatanatyam dancer Geeta Chandran has used dance to protest violence against women. Judith Marcuse choreographs dances that explore such issues as teen suicide and the environment. Pearl Primus fought against racism, bringing Caribbean and African influence to modern dance. Their passion has left a lasting mark. ISBN: 978-1-897187-56-2 128 Pages, 6 X 9 Paperback with B&W Photographs Price: Rs.591. |
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April 21, 2009"Sangitanarayana"(A 17th century text on music & dance from Orissa) by Purushottam Mishra enriched by Gajapati Narayanadeva Edited & translated by Mandakranta Bose (2 Vols) Price: Rs.2100, ISBN (Hardbound): 8120832884, 9788120832886 Published by Motilal Banarsidass, Delhi Info: (011) 23851985, 23858335 / mlbd@vsnl.com; mlbd@vsnl.net Language: Sanskrit and English Sangitanarayana is a Sanskrit text on music and dance written in the 17th century by Purusottama Misra, a minister at the court of King Gajapati Narayanadeva of Parlakimidi in Orissa and his instructor in musicology, with the assistance of the king. While the precise date of the Sangitanarayana is not known, its relationship to Purusottama Misra and Gajapati Narayanadeva prompts us to place it in the first half of the 17th century. One of the most valuable and extensive texts on music and dance from eastern Indian, Sangitanarayana consists of four chapters, the first on vocal music (gitaniranya), the second on instrumental music (vadyanirnaya), and a fourth chapter that provides examples of musical compositions (suddhaprabandhodharana). An edition of the text comprising all the four chapters was published first by Orissa Sangeet Natak Akademi in 1966 under the joint editorship of Pt Vanambaracarya, Kalicharan Patnaik and Kedarnath Mahapatra. A more recent edition of the three musicological chapters was accomplished in 1987 by Janothan Katz of Oxford but remains yet unpublished. Present edition is the first critical edition, which also provides an English translation of the text. |
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April 11, 2009A DVD titled 'A Dictionary of Kathakali Sign Language (Mudras)' is about the use of mudras in Kathakali. It is produced by Kalamandalam Vijayakumar (Kala Chethana Kathakali Troupe in UK) and lists mudras and about 600 words in alphabetical order. There's also an abridged version of the play 'Duryodhana Vadhom.' Price: Rs.250. |
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March 19, 2009 Odissi Vision &
Movement Centre has recently published a text book on
Odissi named KNOWING ODISSI authored by Sharmila Biswas,
Artistic Director for OVM. The book has been financially
supported by Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi. The book is aimed towards the learners as well as the teachers of Indian Classical Dance, acting as a reference point for both. The eleven chapters of this book are a compilation of information required for dance students, mainly Odissi, especially those who are appearing for various board exams in classical dance. The chapters given are as follows: 1. Indian Classical Dances: Basic information on all classical dances of India 2. Dance Related Terms: Commonly used terms with their explanations 3. Myths & Mythology: Well-known stories related to Indian Gods and Goddesses 4. Connecting Links: Gotipua, Mahari 5. Evolution of the Vedic Religion: Vedas and Puranas 6. Texts: Basic Information on Natyashastra, Abhinaya Darpana, Abhinaya Chandrika and Geeta Govinda 7. Rhythms: Odissi Taals with details 8. Codifications: All the Bhedas from Abhinaya Darpana, Abhinaya Chandrika 9. Art of Communication: Aspects of Abhinaya according to Indian Texts 10. Odissi Gurus: Life and Works 11. Medieval Poets of Orissa: Life and Work The book costs Rs.300 For enquiries, please call: (033) - 24227597, 32448074, + 91 98300 20770, + 91 99039 73532, + 91 98304 73793 or email ovmcal@gmail.com |
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Feb 20, 2009
By Ludwig Pesch Price: Rs.1950 (ISBN: 9780195699982) The title deals with the historical and cultural contexts of the music, its forms, instruments, composers, leading practitioners, and schools. The book release function was held on 28th Feb 2009 at the TAG. The book was released by N Murali of The Hindu and the first copy was presented to musicologist S.Rajam. |
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Feb 7, 2009 Kuchipudi DVDs with performance by Alekhya Punjala. ANNAMAYYA ALAMELUMANGA VILASAM, Duration: 1 hr 24 mts ANNAMAYYA HARI VILASAM, duration: 1 hr 20 mts Price: Rs.450 each. |
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Dec 14, 2008'Women of Pride-The Devadasi Heritage' written by dancer Lakshmi Viswanathan is about the Devadasi tradition of dance in the temples of Tamil Nadu. The book deals with the devadasi heritage, through various eras in legend and history as royal artistes, ritual dancers and entertainers. It was released on Dec 12, 2008 by Vyjayanthimala at Chennai. Published by Roli. Price: Rs.295. |
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Oct 24, 2008SMARANAJALI - KATHAKALI PADANGAL by Kalamandalam Unnikrishna Kurup Dinacharana Committee, Irinjalakuda, is a 2 part CD with the recorded voices of Kalamandalam Unnikrishna Kurup and Kalamandalam Sankaran Embranthiri. The first part of the CD has enchanting slokams and padams associated with the Hamsam and Damayanthi in the play 'Nalacharitam Onaam Divasam.' The second part of the CD has four padams; 'Lokapaalanmare' and 'Ghoravipinam' reflect the classicism of Kathakali music. 'Sreemansakhe' and 'Nadhabhavalcharana' are from the play 'Santhanagopalam.'Price: Rs.100. |
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Oct 14, 2008NRITYA SAPTAHAM is a set of DVDs of recordings of live performances of Padma Subrahmanyam on the themes 'Krishnaya Tubhyam Namaha,' 'Ramaya Tubhyam Namaha,' 'Bhagavad Gita,' 'Jaya Jaya Sankara,' 'Meenakshi Kalyanam,' 'Paripadal Mudhal Bharathi Varai,' and 'Sangamam.' There is a choice of commentary in five languages of English, Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu and Kannada as well as relevant anecdotes and interesting deliberations of the dancer.It was launched by Swathi Soft Solutions in Chennai on Oct 9, 2008 to commemorate the company's 10th anniversary. The set is priced at Rs.4000 Ph: (91-44) – 42316060 / 24984052 e-mail: solutions@swatigroup.com |
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September 10, 2008THE DEVADASI AND THE SAINT - The Life and Times of Bangalore NagarathnammaBy V Sriram Bangalore Nagarathnamma (1878-1952) was an important artiste in the world of Carnatic music. She fought for restoring the sanctuary of Tyagaraja, the saint-composer of Thiruvaiyar. This biography reconstructs the details of Nagarathnamma’s life, her accomplishments and the social context in which she lived, that was undergoing a major transformation. Published by East West Books (Madras) Pvt. Ltd Price: Rs.275 |
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 Solkattu
Manual:
An Introduction to the Rhythmic Language of South Indian
Music by David P Nelson Publication date: July 31, 2008 It is the first step-by-step introduction to South Indian spoken rhythm intended for college classroom use. It includes instructions for designing performable pieces, accompanied by graphic notations as well as video demonstrations on two DVDs. Solkattu Manual is designed for use in a variety of settings, from percussion studies to general musicianship courses, and does not assume any prior experience with Indian music. In 1970 David P. Nelson, then a college student, traveled to Madurai, India, to study the mridangam, South Indian music's principal percussion instrument. In his first lesson under legendary court musician and teacher C S Sankarasivam, Nelson was introduced to Solkattu, the rhythm language that is the subject of this manual. Solkattu is a Tamil word that translates as "words bound together." The "words" are percussive-sounding single syllables, nearly all of which begin with consonants. They are "bound together" on two levels: first, into combinations that comprise phrases. Then, these phrases are combined into larger patterns bound together by meters, called tala. These cyclical meters are counted by recurring sets of hand gestures: claps, waves, and finger counts. Speaking such patterns while counting a tala with the hands is solkattu. "A street-wise beginner's guide to one of the world's great drumming traditions. Nelson communicates his enthusiasm and knowledge in a step-by-step manual that anyone - novice, student, trained musician, ethnomusicologist - can work through." - David B. Reck, professor emeritus, Amherst College and author of Music of the Whole Earth David P Nelson is a member of the music faculty of Wesleyan University, where he is an artist-in-residence in South Indian music. 160 pp., 2 DVDs, 8-1/2 x 11² $34.95 paper ISBN: 978-0-8195-6871-7 www.wesleyan.edu/wespress |
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July 27, 2008
BHARATANATYAM BHAKTA GURU M K SAROJA |
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June 19, 2008 DANCE: TRANSCENDING
BORDERS Edited By: Urmimala Sarkar Munsi 978-81-89487-38-6, Tulika, 2008 Hardbound, pp. xxii + 268 List price: Rs 595.00 / $ 25.00 Book Club Members price: Rs 446.25 / $ 18.75 http://www.leftword.com/bookdetails.php?BkId=209&type=HB As globalization forces us to revisit the ‘local’ in dance, an examination of the processes of identity formation, generation and affirmation becomes very necessary. The world of dance in today’s context is constantly being shaped by the nature of the state, politicized markets, the dialogues taking place within and between cultures, as well as the growing importance of multimedia skills. As the identity of dance and of dancers undergoes constant interrogation and reorganization, there is an increasing need to establish dialogues across regions, and to identify and understand the major areas of concern some of which may be common to all, while others may be specific to the social-political-historical conditions of particular countries. This edited volume, a project of the Research and Documentation Network of the World Dance Alliance-Asia Pacific, brings together renowned scholars from the Asia-Pacific region, the Americas and Europe, to discuss issues of global and local importance that are at the center of contemporary research. It hopes to generate a fruitful inter-regional and/or inter-country understanding of the art form, as dance and dancers themselves step out and transcend borders. Urmimala Sarkar Munsi, the editor of this volume, is Visiting Faculty at the School of Arts and Aesthetics, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. A trained dancer and choreographer, she is also a social anthropologist specializing in Dance Studies. She is co-Chair of the Research and Documentation Network of the World Dance Alliance-Asia Pacific. All payments should be in favour of LEFTWORD BOOKS. Please add Rs45/$3 cheques not payable at par in Delhi. To ensure that books are not lost in the post, please add Rs.30 for registration charges. You can also order and pay online at www.leftword.com |
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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, 2008An 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, 2008CHAKYAR 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, 2007INDIAN 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. Sankara Menon (1907 – 1995) was Joint Director of Kalakshetra and after Rukmini Devi passed away in 1986, he became the Director. Published by his grand niece Indu Jayanthi Varma for The People for Children Foundation Price: Rs.200 Contact: foundationpc@yahoo.co.in / (91 - 44) – 42019497 |
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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. The Drishti team is promising a National Drishti Art Resources soon. This issue of Drishti also has its other regular features: 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. Drishti: For Round-the-Year Infotainment, Edutainment and Entertainment! Anuradha Vikranth Creative Director Ph: 0 98455 55422 e-mail: info@drishtimag.com, drishti_mag@hotmail.com Visit: www.drishtimag.com |
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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, 2007BONDING...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: Pushpanjali - Sharanu Vinayaka ( Karnataka Devagandhari /Adi / Lyrics by Alathoor Vijayakumar). An invocatory item in praise of lord Ganesha. Jatiswaram (Purvikalyani / Adi / Composed by Vidwan Madurai. N Krishnan). A dance number with rhythmic dance sequences set to swaras or musical patterns. Shabdham - Kandhane unnai (Ragamalika / Misrachapu). Themed on lord Muruga, this composition is set to a combination of ragas and beats of seven. Varnam - Om enum porule (Hamsadhwani / Adi / Lyrics and Jathis by KSR Anirudha / Music composed by Nandini Anand). This varnam themed on lord Ganesha presents some of the legends relating to the cheerful lord Ganapathi. Padham - Sollavallayo kiliye (Ragamalika / Rupakam / Lyrics by Subramania Bharathi). In this composition, the heroine sends her pet parrot as a messenger to lord Muruga. Thillana (Kannada / Kanda Ekam / Composed by Vidwan Madurai N Krishnan). The concluding piece, which is joyous, short and crisp. Aruna Subbiah has been a disciple of Prof. Sudharani Raghupathy since 1984. At Shree Bharatalaya, Chennai, Aruna has trained in Bharatanatyam, Carnatic Music, Nattuvangam, theory of dance and choreography and had her Rangapravesam in 1991. E-mail: arunasubbiah@gmail.com |
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July 2007"Krishna in Performing Arts" by Shovana Narayan, published by Eastern Book CorporationPrice: 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, 2007At Home in the World: Bharata Natyam on the Global Stageby 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 Stephanie Elliott Wesleyan University Press, 215 Long Lane, Middletown, CT 06459 (860) 685-7723 / selliott@wesleyan.edu http://www.dartmouth.edu/~upne/0-8195-6836-8.html At Home in the World: Bharata Natyam on the Global Stage by Janet O'Shea 236 pp., 25 b/w illus., 6 x 9" $70.00 unjacketed cloth EAN: 978-0-8195-6836-6 ISBN: 0-8195-6836-8 $26.95 paper EAN: 978-0-8195-6837-3 ISBN: 0-8195-6837-6 Publication Date: May 21, 2007 |
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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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Book title: Shahaji Yakshagana Prabandalu |
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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.  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. '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. The predominant rasa in the ballet is Sringara (love). So, it is natural; that the characters used for the ballet are the legendary lovers Radha and Krishna and the love-lorn gopikas. The ballet portrays the changes in the characters' moods sympathetic to the changes in the seasons and in nature. The dancer's portrayal of the changes will be supplemented with slides. The costumes are based on the changing colours of the sun as depicted in the ancient text Sambha Purana. Padmaja explains the way Krishna is portrayed: "This ballet does not highlight the spiritual version of Krishna as the person who advised Arjuna in the form of Bhagavad Gita. It lays emphasis on the beauty of nature in the different seasons and the fun-filled representatives of love, beauty and fantasy. Krishna is represented as an ordinary mortal." Contact: padmajasuresh@mailcity.com or at the following address Padmaja Suresh, Director, Kalpataru Kalavihar 98/6, Krishnageet Apartments, 2nd Main, Seshadripuram, Bangalore 560020 Ph: (080) - 23343393, Fax: (080) - 23369004, Mobile: 94480 68993 |
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July 16, 2006A 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 Annual subscription: Rs.50 for individuals, Rs.75 for institutions/libraries (Rs.30 extra for registered mail) Annual overseas subscription: $15 (10$ extra for airmail) Cheques/drafts/postal orders covering subscription should be payable to: Secretary, Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi Published by Sangeet Natak Akademi, Rabindra Bhavan, Feroz Shah Rd, New Delhi 110001 e-mail: sangeetnatak@bol.net.in |
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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, 2006The 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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March 15, 2011 
May 23, 2010 
Dec 6, 2006 
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.