GNANASHALA 2018

“Sarathy” is a multidimensional classical dance musical created to embrace the rich and vibrant culture associated with the Parthasarathy temple situated in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The plot is three-fold: temple architecture and year round temple festivals for the various deities, literature and folklore, history and mythology associated with the temple. This ideal blend helps us to visualize how a South Indian temple remained not only as an iconic structure but also helped build and sustain a community that had a rich culture and heritage.

The form of bharatanatyam owes to a scripted story telling, intricate dance routines and response to evocative phrases of poetry. This would truly be an attempt to bring to life the sculptures on the walls of the temples through dance and music. The title “Sarathy” has been adapted from the name of the presiding deity of the temple, Sri Parthasarathy.

We wish to highlight several features of historical and mythological aspects of the temple such as the Pancha Moorthis ( 5 main deities in the temple), story of Vedavalli (the damsel who marries Ranganathar/Vishnu), and the origin of the temple itself.

This Magnus opus classical dance musical would certainly be a visual spectacle and a soulful experience. Join us on this journey through the legacy of a 1000 years, “Sarathy” on November 9, 2018, 6:30 pm onward at the Myer Horowitz Theatre (University of Alberta).