Described as “soulful, imaginative, and rhythmically contagious” by The New York Times, Ragamala Dance Company presents the world premiere of Children of Dharma, a Northrop Centennial Commission. In this seamless blend of mesmerizing Bharatanatyam choreography, original music, and lush visuals, creators Aparna, Ranee, and Ashwini Ramaswamy take inspiration from Keerthik Sashidharan’s novel The Dharma Forest—a re-envisioning of the Indian/global epic The Mahabharata.
The rippling effects of dharma, or “right action,” are revealed wordlessly through the body. Featuring scenic and light design by famed French artist Willy Cessa, Children of Dharma illustrates the emotional, moral, and physical consequences exacted on and outside an epic battlefield.
“Dharma is unseen despite its presence everywhere. Like the fidelity of a shadow which vanishes but never leaves us, like a forgotten old love that shaped us into who we are, like a forest that nourishes all who live within without asking anything in return.”—Keerthik Sasidharan
Performance Venue
Northrop Auditorium
Content Warnings/Age Recommendations
Contains mature themes such as war. This performance is recommended for ages 11 and older.
Themes
- One meaning of “dharma” is doing the right thing. When might it be easy to do the right thing? When might it be hard to do the right thing?
- Sometimes we want to do the right thing, but it isn’t clear what the “right” thing is. How do you navigate moments like this? Who in your life helps you find clarity about your choices?
Accessibility
Many performance venues offer accessibility accommodations such as wheelchair seating, assistive listening, sensory ear plugs, ASL interpretation, open captioning, or audio description, among other options. These accommodations are specific to each event, and may not be available everywhere. When registering with us, please let us know what accommodations you need and we will follow up with you!
Transportation
If you do not have access to a ride, call Project Success and we can provide transportation for you. Please let us know if you need a ride when you make your reservation. We will need at least 2 days’ notice to set up transportation.
Childcare
Childcare is available for this performance. Please let us know if you need childcare when you make your reservation.
Additional Media
Here is a trailer:
Here is a clip of a previous show:
