Rudram, a dance theater exploring Navarasas through the Shiva Puranas was performed by the students of the Lasya School of Dance under the direction of their Guru, Sapna Krishnan. The funds raised from the show was used to support Sewa International and the Malabar Rehabilitation Center for the Handicapped in Kerala.  The show was held at the Burlington High School on June 26, 2022.

Using brilliant pure dance group choreographies intertwined with group Sanchari presentations, Rudram brought to life several well known tales. The famous composition “Jaganmoha Natana Raja Sabapathiye” was used as a common thread to weave  the different tales together into a beautiful dance tapestry. 

The king of Rasas, Shrinagaram was the first to be explored. The story of Meenakshi Kalayanam was used to represent this Rasa. Brilliant props enhanced the the entire presentation. A video presentation was used to present the details of the stories. Other rasas were using a variety of tales. Haasyam was depicted using the tale of Madana Dahanam, Karunyam with the story of Markendeya etc. Several familiar compositions like the Shiva Panchaksharam, Hari Vilasanam etc were presented at different parts of the story telling.

The production seemed like a broadway production with beautiful costumes, spectacular props  and well coordinated dance presentations. For Adbhutam, the story of the birth of Ayyapa was presented complete with the “18-steps” of the Ayyapa temple as the prop. Kudos to Sapna Krishnan and the students for the hard work put into the production and the brilliant execution. 

Philanthropist and community activist, Vandana Tiwari Sharma was  the chief guest for the event. She spoke about the great work of Sewa International. She also talked about her work with Hindu Pact and ask people to get involved to represent the Hindu Cause to ensure a safe and just life for Hindu Americans in the USA. 

Productions like Rudram help bring forth the great tales from our scriptures in an entertaining manner to so many who are unfamiliar with them. Thus it not only entertaining but educational as well. We hope to see more such productions in the future.