Dr Anita Ratnam’s Dance- Theatre production, Naachiyar Next Marks Its 25th Performance !

Dr Anita Ratnam’s Dance- Theatre production, Naachiyar Next Marks Its 25th Performance ! 

Narthaki Global Media presents the 25th performance of Naachiyar Next, Dr Anita Ratnam’s acclaimed production exploring the life, poetry and enduring presence of Andal, the Tamil poet-saint and devotee of Vishnu.

Naachiyaar Next is a re-telling of Dr Anita Ratnam's production of Naachiyar that premiered in 2003. In keeping with Anita Ratnam’s style, it features unconventional verses from Andal, the 9th century mystic poet of Tamil Nadu who was elevated to goddess status within a few centuries of her birth. The work embodies a feminist reading of Andal, whose poems have come to represent female desire, personal Bhakti and daring transgression across the borders of conformity.

Conceived and performed by Dr Anita Ratnam, Naachiyar Next has evolved through its performances and continuing engagement with Andal’s story. The 25th performance marks an important milestone in the journey of the production and its exploration of one of Tamil literature’s most enduring female voices.

About Dr Anita Ratnam:

Dr Anita Ratnam is a contemporary dancer, choreographer, arts presenter, cultural activist, and art entrepreneur from India. She has a unique style that blends classical and contemporary dance forms, and her contributions to the dance scene in India have been recognized both nationally and internationally. Anita founded the Arangham Trust, a cultural foundation that seeks to explore, enrich and promote the performing and visual arts of India. She developed the dance portal Narthaki.com and revived the theatrical ritual form Kaisiki Natakam, contributing to the continuation of the form. She has won several awards and honours for her work, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2018.

Naachiyar Next continues this exploration through Andal, whose poetry and devotional imagination have remained a significant part of Tamil literary and religious traditions for centuries.