The most anticipated dance event of the year, the annual Vision-Aid dance drama production Karna will be presented on Sunday, July 22 at the Littleton High School Auditorium at 4:00 pm. Coproducers Suja Meyyappan, Jeyanthi Ghatraju, Thenu Rajan, Hema Iyengar and Sripriya Natarajan Moorthy talk about the production which is created by Guru Madurai R. Muralidaran.

Jeyanthi Ghatraju has been part of the Vision-Aid team for 10 years. " The opportunity to learn from renowned gurus, appreciating each other’s strengths beyond the realm of one’s own guru and style and presenting professional productions is really wonderful" says Jeyanthi. Why does she think this production is special? "It has bee a true opportunity for so many dancers who have had to take a break. Be it post arangetram dancers or come-back dancers who took a break due to personal obligations, they always tell me what a reassuring impact our Vision-Aid productions have left in them to aspire and reach great heights. The production is a truly enriching collaboration amongst like-minded artists coming to fruition. It is a positive way of bringing the community together"

For  Sripriya Natarajan Moorthy, a second generation Indian Amercian this is a very special opportunity. "This is my fifth Vision-Aid production, and my third as a co-producer. I love being part of the Vision-Aid productions because of the people I get to work with—encouraging enthusiastic and sincere children, enjoying the camaraderie of our tribe of New England dance teachers, learning dance and wisdom from Guru Muralidaran and being inspired by the selfless work of the Vision-Aid volunteers," says Sripriya.

 

"As a second-generation American, I especially love the opportunity to work with children who are growing up with one foot each in Indian and American cultures, and love seeing how this younger generation seems to come to terms with being American and Indian at the same time much at a much earlier age than I did—it makes me very happy and hopeful to be around these amazing youngsters, and I am grateful for the opportunity to mentor any of them in some small way.  Drama is a wonderful jumping point for deep discussions.  I can have a discussion with these kids about the parallel themes between Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Hamilton” and Guru Madurai R. Muralidaran’s “Karna” -- orphan child, belittled by others because of his origins, earned his reputation by his own extraordinary skill and dedication, downfall due to his treatment of a woman, died in a battle where he was blameless and yet is still revered by history.  I love to hear the kids ask questions about the story of Karna and the Mahabharatha, and to help them make connections between themselves and the characters.  This production is remarkable, even among Guru Muralidaran’s many stirring productions, for its emotional impact"

 

 

"Being able to participate in a community production like Karna, gives me great pride and pleasure as it is a great opportunity for me personally to work with numerous talented artist from all over New England. There is always something new to learn from Guru/Director - Madurai Muralidharan , my peers and other artists, whether it is embellishing the right expressions or perfecting Bharatanatyam steps. This is my first time being a Co-Producer for the show but I have participated 6 times in the dance drama production for Vision-Aid", says Hema Iyengar, who runs the Center for Arts and Wellness. "I strongly believe that the sentiment and concept behind a community production brings together the values and beliefs of our center. The ability of such a production to spread cultural values using the essence of fine art of Bharatanatyam dance; at the same time achieving higher purpose of supporting a non-profit organization such as Vision-Aid, is truly commendable. There is immense gratification to know that the hard work put in by each participant is helping vision impaired children in India to create a brighter future! It is truly an honor to be part of such a noble and artistic endeavor for last 10 years."

 

"This is my fourth year participating in the Vision-Aid Production and it's my first year as a co-producer. It always gives me an immense joy and honor to be part of Vision-Aid's productions year after year as I get the opportunity to collaborate with talented local artists and playing a small role towards Vision-Aid's vision and mission. Additionally, I find this an amazing experience learning and working with the creator of this production and guru, Muralidharan sir", says Thenu Raajan.

"As a dance teacher, I find an immense value for students playing a role in this production. The greatness of our Indian heritage is portrayed through the storytelling of our rich Ithihasas (Epics) and Puranas (mythology). Through mega productions such as "Golden Armor,Golden Heart" the students and participants gain to experience the essence of our epics, first hand. Its one thing when reading or hearing about the valor and virtues of an icon such as Karna. Its a totally different and fulfilling experience when you are on the stage with Karna himself. One gets to live and reflect on the great virtues, depicted by the characters in our Epics. Also, aspiring students get to learn the nuances of this art under the expert guidance of Guru Madurai  R Muralidharan himself and also the fine art of performing by working with fellow artists and our New England teachers. In addition, through Vision-Aid's productions, participants become directly involved in Vision-Aid's noble cause. It is my hope by working along with Vision-Aid, they too can become champions of this cause"