Breaking the Binary: Exploring Gender and Sexuality in Hindu Mythology

As far as we have come in our understanding of human identity, individuals are still forced into a binary definition of gender, leaving no room for individual choice. Ideas of what is male and what is female are generally polarized into definite characteristics and qualities. Additionally, human sexuality is often misunderstood to the point of becoming a subject that is tabooed in many cultures.

Breaking the Binary explores ancient tales and figures from Hindu mythology that provide examples of how fluid these concepts actually can be even within a traditional context. Maha Kali, the Great Goddess, breaks all stereotypes as she manifests contrasting characteristics that push the boundaries of what is perceived as female. Ardhanareeshwara, a poem describing the half-woman and half-man form of Shiva displays gender fluidity within one body. Soma, the moon, and Agni, the fire deity, appear as male energies that are intrinsically attracted to each other. Within the Durga Trilogy, goddess energy is further examined in three different aspects: 1. As Meenakshi, a warrior princess who presents with a non-normative body, 2. As Mari Amman, nurturing maternal energy that breaks all barriers of caste and creed, and 3. Para Shakti, the genderless and formless goddess energy that represents the ultimate power and truth within all.

Join us on this unique journey through beautiful poetry, mesmerizing dance, and haunting music, including a piece by Austin's Eastern Soul songstress, Nagavalli. Allow yourself to be transported into a world where each individual form actualizes their potential energy and power with no boundaries.

Concept and Artistic Direction: Anuradha Naimpally

Consultant: Pavithra Prasad

Dancers: Soumya Ashok, Purna Bajekal, Anuradha Naimpally

10% of ticket sales along with donations will go to Allgo, a queer people of color nonprofit in Austin, TX.

"Allgo nurtures and celebrates queer people of color by building, educating, and mobilizing communities toward a just and equitable society. We do this through cultural arts, wellness, and social justice programming by: supporting artists and artistic expression within our diverse communities; promoting health within a wellness model; and mobilizing and building coalitions among groups marginalized by race/ethnicity, gender/gender identity, sexual orientation/sexual identity in order to enact change." - Reference: www.allgo.org

*This project is supported in part by the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department Artist Access Program and the Austin Creative Alliance.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Road, Austin, United States