‘Draupadi Unbound’ echoed the voices of women across the ages

Navia Natarajan’s thematic production — Draupadi Unbound’ — recently premiered at the Trinity Arts Festival in R.R. Sabha, Mylapore.

Navia Natarajan.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Conceived, choreographed and performed by Navia, the dance was based on the enigmatic heroine of the Mahabharata — Draupadi. The dancer also drew a parallel with the lives of several women, who, for generations, have been silenced — told how to behave and how much to endure. Whenever a woman asserts herself, questions norms, or demands justice, her dignity is attacked. She is shamed or suppressed, yet, she rises (unscathed). ‘Draupadi Unbound’ is about reclaiming that voice: the voice of a woman who breaks free, and charts her own path toward freedom. 

Navia Natarajan.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

The show began with a nritta piece that depicted the routine course of life, before a challenge arises and the woman is forced to choose a path less travelled. Here, the dancer  captured the subtle shades of emotion.

Alarippu, which means blossoming of a flower, is normally presented at the beginning of a performance. Naviya chose a non-linear narrative using the alarippu to depict how Draupadi blossomed into a woman of quiet confidence and courage. ‘Panchali Sabadam’ was a fitting finale to the performance.

yrics by Prof. S. Raghuraman and music composed by M.S. Sukhi (mridangam), along with Sumesh Murali on the chenda, complemented the dancer’s narrative. Nattuvangam by N. Sri Sudarsini and vocals by Gopika Harindranath added beauty to the entire production. Effective lighting by Surya Rao, aptly highlighted the emotions of the dancer.