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