Productions

“Kunti ki Vinati: Thread for the Pearls” (Chennai, Delhi, Kurukshetra, etc)

Yet again, contemporary perspectives into mythological episodes formed the core of “Kunti ki Vinati”. This poem, sought to delve into the unchartered hidden recesses of Kunti’s mind and understand her dilemma and anguish. Her sons were pearls that till hitherto was strung together in a chain of maternal love and bonding. Would their wives further this bondage or encourage disintegration? Could her statement uttered unknowingly that it was Draupadi that her sons had brought, become an advantage? Could Draupadi become the much needed string for further strengthening the bond between the brothers that was especially required in this dark hour of the approaching Mahabharata war? The poem provided a fascinating insight of the complex working of a human mind!

           Presentation: Group presentation

           Duration: 20 minutes

“Winter Reise” (The Winter Journey) in Salzkammergut Festival at Gmunden, Austria

The opening of the Salzkammergut Festwochen on 13th July 2008 at the picturesque Austrian town Gmunden’s City Theatre featured a most unusual rendition of Schubert’s evocative piece ‘Winter Resise’ featuring the famous Indian Kathak danseuse, Padmashri Shovana Narayan in concert with well-known cello artiste Yvonne Timoianu and piano artiste Alexander Preda. With this performance, fearless and bold Shovana yet again proved the universality of expression and that art knows no barriers.

           Presentation: Multi Cultural (International)

           Duration: 30-40 minutes

Duet with Spanish Jazz Guitarist Chema Vilchez (2007)

At the invitation of the Spanish Cultural Centre and Embassy of Spain, an evening saw the jugalbandi between Kathak dancer Shovana Narayan and the Spanish Jazz Guitarist Chema Vilchez that resounded with virtuoso performances by the two artistes.

           Presentation: Style (International Collaboration)

           Duration: 30-40 minutes

The Deer & the Spear

Based on a poignant poem, this evocative dance production brought out the mindless and ruthless pain that accompanies hunting, while simultaneously drawing attention to the plight of the female specie.

           Presentation: Group presentation/ Mini ballet

           Duration: 20 minutes

“Begum Hazrat Mahal”

The year 1857 was momentous in the history of Indian Independence movement. Several freedom fighters laid down their lives for the cause but among them were few persons who could not even get their 2 yards of land in their home country for their burial. Among them were the deposed Mughal Emperor Bahadurshah Zafar and Begum Hazrat Mahal, wife of the deposed Nawab Wajid Ali Shah of Awadh.In the year long celebrations marking the 150th year of the 1857, Shovana Narayan was the only classical dancer to have attempted a ballet on Begum Hazrat Mahal, which was staged at a overflowing hall and most receptive audience at Talkatora Stadium on 9th May, 2006 before an audience of over 3000 people that included several political stalwarts. It received great response from one and all.

           Presentation: Group presentation/ Dance ballet

           Duration: 40 minutes

“Anu-Gati” based on Laws of Physics

For the International Conference of Physics, Shovana was required to stage items that clearly brought out various Laws of Physics. After several brain-storming sessions with Dr Pratibha Jolly, Physicist and Shovana’s own Physics background, a novel production resulted that not only mesmerized the audience but also brought full wholesome critical praise from the gathering of senior level Physicists from all over the globe.

           Presentation: Group presentation

           Duration: 30 minutes

“Koham (ie Ko’ham” - Who am I)- performed all across the globe Search for identity: Women Empowerment

International Women’s Day is a tribute to the indomitable spirit of forbearance and courage of every woman. While celebrating her virtues, this day also provides scope for introspection and awareness for anticipating all future obstacles and struggles. Experiences of women through the ages, searching for her identity, were movingly encapsulated by Shovana in the dance production ‘Ko’ham’.

           Presentation: Group presentation

           Duration: 30-40 minutes

Programme for Tsunami Relief and Affected Families: (IHC)

The social consciousness of Shovana again became very visible when she, along with Naresh Kapuria, organised the first endeavour of artistes of Delhi for helping affected families of Tsunami.

           Presentation: Group presentation

           Duration: 40 minutes

“KL Saigal: The Artist and The Man” (Delhi IHC and Mumbai Nehru Centre)

20 The evening resounded with nostalgia as verses of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah (babul mora naihar chooto ri jaye) and Ghalib (Nuktachin hai game dil, Aah ko chahiye) that were Saigal’s favourites filled the air.

           Presentation: Multi-performers

           Duration: 20 minutes

“Ma Sharada” (Chinmaya Mission)

Sharada devi, spiritual counterpart of Sri Ramakrishna of Dakshineshwar, was a unique personality. By installing her on a pedestal meant for the Deity, by invoking the divine presence in her, and by worshipping her as Mother Goddess, he raised her to the level of Goddess. With this, Sharada rose above normal desires as she accepted the virtuous life ordained by Sri Ramakrishna. Her maternal instinct and solicitude knew no barriers or bounds, transcending caste, community, colour and creed. She was unprecedented phenomenon considering the time that she lived in and the rural background that she hailed from.

           Presentation:Group presentation

           Duration: 20 minutes
 

6 th Abilympics (Delhi, IG Stadium)

Shovana was the Creative Director and choreographer of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 6th Abilympics 2003 held at New Delhi that featured over 600 ‘specially abled children’

           Presentation: Multi Style with specially abled

           Duration: 30-40 minutes

“Mirdad: A Light House & Haven” (Sri Ram Centre, Delhi)

Scripted by Dr Gita Dhwan, this production, based on the book “The Book of Mirdad” which is an allegorical book of philosophy by Lebanese author Mikhail Naima, a close friend and biographer of Kahlil Gibran, revolved around the ‘ego’ factor present within man. This production replicated the series of dialogues between Mirdad, the abbot of a monastery and his disciples. Through legends being narrated by Rustadian, who sees the immense ‘I’ present in Shamdam and his meeting with Mirdad, a mysterious stranger visiting the remote mountain monastery of the Ark, he eventually becomes a teacher to the nine chosen Companions including Shamdam. The theme exhorted the casting away of materialistic desires, mindless and empty practice of religious rituals and called for unity among different groups of people in the universe emphasizing the true joy of universal love.

           Presentation: Multi-Style (International Collaboration)

           Duration: 30-35 minutes