Bharatanatyam Dance Performance by Shanmugha Sundaram Amour June 5, 2009

Bharatanatyam Dance Performance by Shanmugha Sundaram Amour. Chosen for its universal theme, 'Amour' is one of many events happening throughout Chennai during Pride Month, a month-long celebration of the Stonewall rebellion, which set off the gay liberation movement around the world exactly 40 years ago. Among other events, there will be a screening of 'Milk', an Oscar-nominated movie for Best Film, at the South Indian Film Chamber, sponsored by the US Consulate. Poetry reading and performances by local LGBT activists at Spaces, as well as a potential parade at the end of June - to affirm human rights for all individuals irregardless of sexual orientation or gender. With AF providing the public space to introduce 'Amour' to the Tamil Nadu audience, the program is co-sponsored by SAATHII, an NGO working on Solidarity and Action against HIV, public health, and their links with gender- and sexuality-based discrimination. Sathir Performing Arts, a theater and classical dance production house, collaborated with Shanmugha Sundaram with the research, choreography and music. Sri Jitendra of Sathir explains, 'The piece treats classical dance with respect while pushes the boundaries of modernity in the context a universal theme - love.' Dr. L. Ramakrishnan, Country Director for Programs and Research at SAATHII, said, 'We are pleased to collaborate with AF to present to Chennai a visual feast on the theme of love which transcends normative boundaries of gender. Amour is an ode to the famous French sculptor and painter Auguste Rodin. In 'Amour', Shanmugha, through classical Bharata Natyam, explores the sensitive nuances of love inspired by the famous sculptor Rodin. The presentation is a unique attempt to combine the vibrancy of the classical dance form Bharata Natyam with the beautiful sculptures of Rodin. This performance is an ode to the sculpture and dance , hightlighting Tamil Nadu's artistic influence in the sculptor's work originating from his visit to Madras at the turn of the 20 th century. As universal as the themes of Rodin's famous sculptures with an appeal that transcends all geographical barriers, 'Amour' explores the sensitives nuances of love inspired by Rodin. One of Rodin's well-known sculptures, 'The Kiss', evokes the perfect blend of eroticism and idealism to create one of the great images of physical love. The Kiss is the central dance piece in this dance presentation. Its passion is conveyed in Dante's Divine Comedy, a sorce of inspiration for Rodin's 'The Kiss'. K. Shanmugha Sundaram is one of India's leading classical dancers and he is considered as one of the best young male exponents of the ancient art form of Bharata Natyam. He has been fortunate to have trained intensively under the legendary dance guru smt. K.J. Sarasa. Everyone who has seen Shanmugha perform is struck by his fresh approach to dance. While his dance is rooted in tradition, Shanmugha has evolved into his own individual style through his choreographic productions without forsaking the principles of Bharata Natyam. Shanmugha has been performing professionally for almost 15 years and is one of the most sought after male dancers of his generation. Shanmugha has been featured in many major national festivals including Sangeet Natak Akademi; National Television channels and for various State Governments and other reputed cultural organizations. Besides a dancer, Shanmugha is also a Nattuvangam artist (orchestra conductor) and choreographer for classical Bharata Natyam.

Official Website: http://www.buzzintown.com/?110257&ref=yupg&refcity=9