SAMAH – Dr Janaki Rangarajan

Friday 6th April 2018, 7pm

The Bhavan, London

£10

SAMAH is the Dance of Mystic Poetry. For many centuries, two intertwined streams of thoughts have flourished giving rise to ecstatic poems that highlight the mad desire to live (and perhaps die) for a divine bond beyond worldly constraints. Voices that echo an unquenchable love for the divine and sometimes where the love itself becomes divine. Transcending religion, language, social or economic status, these poems demonstrate an emotional restlessness and bring out intimate expressions of self. In these current turbulent times of sectarian violence all over the world, Samah explores the intense and beautiful poetic works of Sufi poets such as Rumi, Khusrow, Kabir and Bulleh Shah as well as Bhakti poets such as Surdas, Vidyapati, Andal and Adi Sankara. These poems of different shades and hues talk eloquently of the mystery of human existence and its relation to the supreme power of the universe as well as the unconditional love through which the desire for the ultimate union is expressed. The beautiful words of these great poets are set to captivating music and performed by virtuosos of singing, flute and mridangam.

DR JANAKI RANGARAJAN

At the forefront of the new generation of Bharatanatyam dancers, “Nadanamamani” Dr. Janaki Rangarajan represents the future of the ancient art form. Since the age of 4, Janaki has been passionate about communicating through dance. Her unique dance style is a sincere result of her undying passion, self-motivation and dedication towards Bharatanatyam. Her refreshing approach to Bharatanatyam has won her many accolades and praise from dance lovers around the world. Being a firm believer in maintaining the integrity of tradition, Janaki explores her creativity without compromising on the classicism of the dance form.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/dZ-x4gPMAmU