SHIVA SHAKTI



SHIVA-SHAKTI a unique presentation of the well known Shakti Dance Company of Los Angeles. Inspired by the hyms and chants, stories and mythological stories based on the ancient Hindu texts and scriptures, Shiva-Shakti re-creates the powerful dance of Shiva-Nataraja along with his consort Shakti. Several ancient stories are powerfully knit in this gripping spectacle of dance, music, costume, theatrical props and lighting - but the stories are not without purpose. These sacred stories though of Hindu origin and extolled through centuries as part of the Hindu culture, have an eternal relevance and universality.

Shiva-Shakti extols the universality of the undivided unity of the male and female principles-that gives birth to creation and harmonises the universe. This duality is expressed in different terms worldwide Yin /Yang in China, Shu/ Tefnut in Egypt, Shiva /Shakti in India... this eternal quest to bring the opposite sides of one nature in equilibrium ...thus the dance of Shiva-Shakti is to behold the dance within oneself... This high philosophy of existence is simply yet powerfully depicted in Shiva-Shakti .The dance theatre will open the eyes to the mystery of ONEness and to the understanding that our common humanity transcends our diversity.

Presented in the grandeur and beauty of Bharata Natyam, with the most renown musicians of Karnatik and Hindustani Music,Shiva-Shakti will transport audiences to that state of universal consciousness. A unique presentation that extols dance, music, scriptures, poetry, tradition and elevates the human spirit.

The dancers include the well known Mythili Prakash, Ajit Bhaskaran Das of Malaysia, Viji Prakash and an ensemble of 15 dancers of the Shakti Dance Company.

Featured Vocalist- Smt Lakshmi Shankar. A legend herself in the field of Hindustani music, Lashmi Shankar's association with Viji Prakash and the Shakti Dance Company since 1990, have created some of the most unique and spectacular moments in dance-opera, including all the productions-starting with, PurandaraDasa,1990 Meera,1991/1993/2004 Shyama,1997 Bhagvad Gita, 2002/2003 Prince to Buddha- a journey to enlightenment 2004/2005 and now SHIVA-SHAKTI in 2006.

The musicians include the well known Shakti musicians- Vocal-Debur Srivathsa, Vidya Harikrishna, Tavil- VedaKrishnan, Flute- Mahesh Swamy, Violin- Krishna Kutty, Nattuvangam- Harikrishna Kalyanasundaram. The instruments include vocals, nattuvangam, percussion (tabla, Mridangam,pakhwaj, tavil kanjira, moorsing)flute, violin and sitar.

Concept-Viji Prakash

Photograph credits- George Vismara and Nagesh Pentakota

Background Music Credits- Shakti Dance Company Music Ensemble

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