Vision-Aid presents “Charmer, Warrior, Guide”

Date: July 16, 4PM at Littleton, MA.
For more details and Tickets: http://www.visionaid.org/event

The Production

Following in the footsteps of 8 brilliant sold-out productions, Vision-Aid is delighted to present "Charmer, Warrior, Guide" - Broadway-style mega dance production, bringing to life the endearing story of the greatest charmer, the bravest warrior and wisest guide - Krishna. This dazzling show highlights many unique aspects of this timeless Indian epic in a rich and vibrant choreography, produced by renowned choreographer Madurai R. Muralidaran, ably assisted by the best dance talent in the greater Boston area

The Producer

The concept and choreography for this production is by Madurai R. Muralidaran of Chennai, India, a renowned dance choreographer who has won critical acclaim for his creations in Bharatanatyam. He has over 300 compositions to his credit, including his most recent Boston productions, Slaying of the Demons (2012), The Dancer's Pledge (2014), and The Iconic Avatar (2016), which still has audiences in Boston talking

The Co-Producers

The producer is ably supported by co-producers Jeyanthi Ghatraju, Sujatha Meyyappan and Sripriya Natarajan Moorthy.

Jeyanthi Ghatraju, a Bharatanatyam dancer and choreographer with a mission to perform for charity, has been a Co-Producer of Vision-Aid dance productions since 2009. She offers Degree Programs in Performing Arts through her affiliation with Alagappa Performing Arts Academy through her dance school, Natyanjali, and several students have performed their arangetrams under her guidance. She was awarded the coveted US Presidential Gold Service Award in 2013 for community service.

Sujatha Meyyappan, an acclaimed Bharatanatyam Dancer, Choreographer and Artistic Director of Kolam Academy of Dance in Tyngsboro & Andover, MA, has produced shows like  BharathyNatyam, Shivoham, Kavi Nrithyam, & Omkaram. She has participated and Co-Produced fundraisers for many charitable causes including Vision-Aid since 2009. She serves as the co-chair of Tyngsboro Cultural Council and on the board of TMM.

Sripriya Natarajan Moorthy, the director of Abhinaya Natya Sala in Framingham, MA,has been actively involved in several Vision-Aid productions since 2010. In 1999, she co-founded MIT Natya, one of the first collegiate Indian classical dance organizations in the nation. She delights in cultivating a love of dance & dramatic storytelling in her students, nurturing their self-confidence and inspiring them to excel in of Bharatha Natyam.

[Question for Madurai R. Muralidaran]:  Can you tell us a little about this production? Production on the story of Krishna has been seen a lot. What would be special about this production?

[Madurai R. Muralidaran ] : There are two ways of presenting a public show to either music, drama or dance.

1.  Expecting the audience to sit through  the performance whether it captivates their attention or not !!

2. To make the audience sit up from the beginning till the end and watch it spellbound !

My presentations falls  in the second category  . My productions are interwoven with eloquently crisp screen plays, interesting sequences and vibrant music and dance with related animations as my back drop/ necessary props to elevate the sequences.  I am not only aim in projecting my performance but am also particular about bringing out the talents of the local dancers  through my production to the level of broadway musicals.  Approaching the local talents without an ego and this enriches their learning experience and brings about an integration of culture as a final result on stage.

[Question for Suja Meyyapan] : How many schools are involved? How many performers are part of this show?  What was the experience of briniing so many dancers together?

[Suja Meyyapan] : The wonderful thing that I like about Vision-Aid productions is how it bands together a variety of things into a beautiful and captivating show. Most of the times, a program is co-ordinated by students of one dance school.  But start from the beginning, Vision-Aid programs opened doors to dancers from all schools & ages.  For Charmer. Warrior, Guide we have over 70 dancers from 12 different schools.

Vision-Aid provides a platform and an incredible opportunity for the dancers to work with doyens of dance field such as Guru Madurai R Muralidaran, facilitates young dancers to be part of a Broadway style mega production involving 70+ dancers, amazing props, audio visual components etc., The dancers learn not only from the teachers, but also from each other and learn to appreciate the nuances and beauty of this wonderful art form and create a long lasting friendship. A big credit goes to the healthy environment and relationship among the dance community, teachers and art lovers of New England.

It brings me immense joy to see young dancers getting inspired and come back year after year and that is the reason I love doing this every year!
 
[Question for Jeyanthi Ghatraju] What motivates you year after year...

[Jeyanthi Ghatraju] :  I have a simple goal - to build a caring community, that uses the pool of talent and skills and supports a noble cause. Our New England community has plenty of talent, works synergistically and it is a delight to bring them together!

[Question for Sripriya Natarajan Moorthy] What makes being part of this event special for dancers? Why is Vision AID special to you?

[Sripriya Natarajan Moorthy] :  Being a part of Vision-Aid's productions of Guru Muralidharan's dance-dramas gives dancers a unique opportunity to work on a professional production with a multi-talented director, choreographer and dancer. The intensity of the effort sparks lasting relationships between dancers from all over New England- we are truly a family. There is no comparable experience, and I think the joy and chemistry of our team on stage is felt by the audience.

Vision-Aid is a charity that particularly inspires me because they have such a direct positive impact on people's lives. Their work to help the visually impaired matter skills needed to improve their employment opportunities has a long-lasting impact. I'm humbled to have the opportunity to use my passion to promote Vision-Aid's mission.

|