Penmai | Purush 2.0

Penmai

"Penmai: Unveiling the Resilience of Womanhood" - A Captivating Dance

Production

"Penmai," (In Tamil* : Womanhood) delves into the stories of the prominent women in the

life of the Hindu God Krishna, using the vocabulary of dance. Deviating slightly from the

commonly found portrayal of these women in Indian mythology, we not only seek to

explore their confidence, courage and selfless sacrifice but also their innermost feelings

and self-doubt.

We begin with exploring the theme of motherhood with Krishna’s two mothers, his birth

mother Devaki who had to give him up for his well-being and his foster mother Yashoda,

who nurtured him with boundless affection. We muse along with Radha, his childhood

companion, revered lover and spiritual partner as she questions her significance in

Krishna’s life. We ponder if Rukmini and Satyabhama, two of his many wives, lived in

harmony despite obvious rivalry and celebrate the unwavering devotion of the Bhakta

(devote) despite countless societal challenges. We question along with the indignant

Draupadi, the injustices she had to bear and wonder if she reached out to Krishna, her

childhood friend or delved into her own core of divine strength.

While these stories are rooted in Indian mythology, they resonate with the experiences of

contemporary women—individuals who embody silent, graceful strength as they overcome

daily challenges in life. Their stories serve as a testament to the indomitable spirit of

women, past and present.

In a captivating finale, we celebrate the unity of womanhood and pay homage to the

extraordinary resilience and timeless beauty of feminine energy. "Penmai" transcends time

and culture, resonating with audiences of all backgrounds, inviting you to witness the

strength and grace inherent in the lives of extraordinary yet ordinary women.

Purush 2.0

This captivating dance program brings to life the mythological narrative of Kumarasambhava, showcasing the classical Indian dance forms of Odissi, Kathak, and Bharatanatyam. The performance unfolds across eight distinct sargas, from the divine union of Shiva and Parvati to the birth of Kartikeya and his conquest of Tarkasur.

Choreographed by acclaimed artists Aneesh (Odissi), Devdatt (Kathak), Sri (Bharatanatyam), and Shantanu (Bharatanatyam), the program is a mesmerizing blend of intricate storytelling, rhythmic elegance, and vibrant movements. The dancers embody the rich symbolism and drama of the text, portraying key moments such as Uma’s penance, the celestial wedding, and the fiery trials faced by the gods.

Each sarga is a visual and emotional journey, offering a seamless fusion of mythology and classical dance to capture the essence of devotion, love, and divine power.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Saalbau Griesheim, Schwarzerlenweg 57, Frankfurt am Main, Germany