Expressnews
Chennai, December 2024 – Celebrated Bharatanatyam exponent Kalaimamani Bala Devi Chandrashekar showcases her latest magnum opus, ‘MAA – The Eternal Truth,’ with captivating performances lined up across Cambodia, Mysore and Chennai.
Paying homage to Mother Nature and the loving nature of a Mother, this intricate performance brings to light the beauty of Mother Earth as a nurturing, powerful, and life-giving force, the same as that of a Mother. The production depicts the interconnectedness of different elements and aspects of our Mother Earth like Air, Water, Animals, and Human beings, and how we are all part of nature’s grand design.
Speaking about her inspiration for the production, Bala Devi Chandrashekar said, “Motherhood is a universal truth that connects us all, transcending time and space. Through this production, I hope to evoke a deep sense of gratitude and reverence for the eternal mother in all her forms.”
The performance gets its inspiration from the Scriptures, Ancient Texts, and Philosophical Contexts of Indian literature. It presents Adi Shankara’s Mathru panchakarma and Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, The sound of the universe – AUM which is made up of Akara, Ukara, and Makara, the significance of Maheswara Sutrani – sounds of the Damaru to create, maintain, regulate and dissolve the universe, the decent of Andal as Godha Devi, The mystical dance of Shiva, symbolizing the cyclical nature of the universe through time and space, Ardhanareeshvara symbolizing male and female principles and the principles of stillness and movement – Purusha, Prakriti, Sthiti and Gati respectively. The act of the universal giver Kamadhenu surviving on one leg and of Lord Varaha saving Bhoomi Devi comprises the production’s enchanting details.
The Lord’s message from Shrimad Bhagavatham quotes, ‘Whenever there is the decay of righteousness, and there is the exaltation of unrighteousness, then I come forth’ The recital emphasizes our need to protect our planet and Mothers and embrace and show gratitude to all that they have to offer. The very essence of Shakti – the feminine force is brought out in this alluring performance through the analogy of Mother Earth and a Mother.
Bala collaborates with esteemed scholars from diverse fields, extracting profound messages from
scriptures that resonate with contemporary society. Her artistic pursuits have taken her to over 35 countries, where she hasenthralled audiences with over 300 mesmerizing performances.
• 21st Dec 2024 – 6:30 pm: Vasundra Bhavana, Kalandika, Saraswathipuram, Mysore
• 30th Dec 2024 – 5:30 pm: Kartik Fine Arts, Mylapore
• 2nd Jan 2025 – 7:30 pm: Brahma Gana Sabha, TAG Dakshinamurthy Auditorium, Mylapore, Chennai
• 4th Jan 2025 – 6:00 pm: Bhavan, Mylapore, Chennai
For More Information:
Visit: www.baladevichandrashekar.com
