Conducted by
Gowri Ramnarayan
Anjana Anand
Workshop Topics:
- Art of composing jathis & korvais – exploring the various possibilities (practical)
- Understanding Laya (theory and practice)
- Process of choreography – from the word in the lyric to the visual in movement
- Approach to a thematic presentation – in conceptualization and execution
- Working towards contemporary relevance
- Breakup of the parts in the whole performance
- Visualising the performance as an organic whole
Gowri Ramnarayan has scripted, designed and directed several dance theatre works with dance artists Priyadarsini Govind (Flame of the Forest, Aham Sita, Sivanai Patri, Katrinile Varum Geetam), Mythili Prakash (Flame of the Forest, Yashodhara), Sheejith Krishna (Sarpa Sutra, Night’s End, Magic Bow) Anjana Anand (Fire and Ash, Sakhi, Magic Bow). She conceptualised and directed Mitra in 2023, a dance theatre work for Kalapriya, Chicago, with Chicago-based dancers. She has been Artistic Director for Viswa Prana: The Cosmic Breath, produced by The Esplanade, Singapore, choreographed by Rama Vaidyanathan.
Dr Ramnarayan has conducted sessions in dance workshops in Singapore (Apsara Arts and Milap festival); in India for associations like Naradagana Sabha’s Natyaranagam and Malavika Sarukkai’s Kalavaahini. Subjects include the importance of the epics the Ramayana and Mahabharata to the Indian dancer, on interpreting poetry for the dance, dance music, sanchari bhava, conceptualising thematic presentations, designing costumes as integral to the theme, and writing the script and narration for a dance performance.
