COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF PHILADELPHA

AN INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL EVENT

South Asian Classical Dance Performance

April 2, 2014 from 12:30-1:30 in BG-20

Episodes from Ramayana, the ancient Indian Epic

Organized by Lakshmi Gudipati, English Department and made possible with

generous support of the South Asia Center, University of Pennsylvania.

COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF PHILADELPHA

12:30-1:30 in BG-20 - Large Auditorium

Dance Performance: Episodes from Ramayana, the popular Indian

Epic by the members of Siddhendra Kuchipudi Art Academy,

Director: Mrs. Swathi Gundapuneedi

Organized by Lakshmi Gudipati, English Department. Made possible

with generous support of the South Asia Center, University of

Pennsylvania.

Kuchipudi, an age-old form of performance art, combining classical Indian music and dance, portrays ancient classical literary narratives.

Often performed at temples of ancient India, the art of Kuchipudi employs rhythmic footwork, facial expressions and symbolic hand

gestures in unison to tell the story. The ultimate aim of the

performance is to stimulate a resonance in the audience an aesthetic

experience that brings them closer to the noble sentiments and

psychological states that the characters in the narrative and the

dancers on the stage emote.

The hour long presentation includes three episodes from the epic

Ramayana revered by the Hindus as its sacred scripture. Three episodes, each lasting about fifteen minutes, include:

Synopsis of each item.

Item # 1 Ramayana Sabdam

In this item the whole story of Ramayana is crispy described. This is done in the

style of a "Sabdam". In this item each episode is shown through "Mudras" and

expressions that dramatize the major plot events in a symbolic and stylized form..

Item # 2 Adhyatma Ramayanam

This item is presented in the traditional style of Kuchipudi, wherein one episode is

taken and performed elaborately by one artist. Here the episode of Ravana

approaching Maricha and asking him to take the form of a golden deer so that he

COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF PHILADELPHA

can abduct sita is shown. Performed by a single dancer, this is a testimony for the

skillful display of the dancer in swiftly transitioning from the portrayal of one

emotion to the other through expression, gesture and foot work.

Item # 3 Sita Swayamvaram

In this item another traditional style is shown where a group of dancers depict the

episode wherein Sita's father Janaka assembles invited princes in a contest; the

winner of the contest, Rama is felicitated by Sita in the end with a garland

signifying her acceptance of Rama as her husband to be. The episode known for

its harmonizing the lyrical beauty of the feminine beauty of Sita and her peers

with the male display of valor proves to be a charming and mesmerizing peace at

once.

About Guru Smt. Swathi Gundapuneedi, Siddhendra Kuchipudi Art Academy

The Siddhendra Kuchipudi Art Academy is dedicated to giving rise to a new generation of dancers who will serve and spread this art and the style of Guru Shishya Parampara all over the world for generations to come. Founded by Guru Swathi Gundapuneedi in Edison in 2002, SKAAs students have performed at local and international celebrations, competitions, and fundraising events, while striving for perfection in their medium and following the example of their Gurus accomplishments.

http://kuchipudiartacademy.com/