jivaperformingarts@gmail.com

Mayura:Blue Peacock (2014)

SUMMARY

Mayura is the Sanskrit word for peacock, the rare and beautiful bird indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. It has been featured in poetry, literature, sculpture, painting, music, dance, mythology, and so on. The evening-length work uses classical poetry and literature to weave vivid images of the peacock from Indian myths and legends – from the powerful ancient Mayil Virutham, which praises the peacock as Lord Muruga’s vehicle, to the lilting epics of Kalidasa describing the peacock in the rains, as a reminder of Ram’s longing for Sita, to the love songs of Andal and Mirabhai. The original music score has been composed by the renowned composer from India, Rajkumar Bharathi, and features original choreography by Sonali Skandan.

Running Time: 75 Minutes With Intermission | 4-6 Dancers | Live Orchestra or Studio Recorded Music

VIDEOS

The evening-length work uses classical poetry and literature to weave vivid images of the peacock from Indian myths and legends.

The video is a trailer for our acclaimed dance film short, “Urban Nritta.” The full video can be viewed here.

VIDEOS

The evening-length work uses classical poetry and literature to weave vivid images of the peacock from Indian myths and legends.

The video is a trailer for our acclaimed dance film short, “Urban Nritta.” The full video can be viewed here.

DETAILS

Premiered September 2014 at Chen Dance Center, NYC

Concept and Choreography:
Sonali Skandan

Director/Cinematographer/Editor:
Jesse Newman

Production Design:
Kaela Hill

Dancers:
Sonali Skandan, Njideka Emenogu, Maya Kappil, Bavani Pillai, Sangita Sahasranaman and Mallika Bhargava

Music Composition:
Rajkumar Bharathi

Sound Design/Music Recording:
Sai Shravanam, Resound India

Rhythm and Music Direction Input:
Bala Skandan

Lighting Design:
Tim Cryan

Direction:
Shruti Ramachandran

Costume Design:
Donali Skandan and CA Joy

Project Support:
Dance/NYC, New York State Council on the Arts

REVIEWS

Review: Erasing Borders Festival of Indian Dance, a Showcase of Dizzying Movement
“The interplay of the sculptural and rhythmic aspects of Indian dance was compelling…riveting”
Alistair Maccaulay, NY Times
nytimes.com

“captivating,” and “an impressive blending of the strength inherent in the technical aspects of the form and the exuberant emotions that exist in the stories being told.”

“The choreography was an impressive blending of the strength inherent in the technical aspects of the form and the exuberant emotions that exist in the stories being told…Her [Sonali Skandan] charisma on stage permeated every piece and drew the eyes of the audience as she shifted her gaze in conjunction with the movement.”

Annie Woller, Eye on the Arts NY, Sept. 2014

GALLERY