Innovative Bharatanatyam drama brings Girish Karnad’s masterpiece to life in Kuwait
A landmark cultural event took place on February 6, 2026, at the Boy Scout Theater in Hawally, Kuwait, with the staging of Nagamandala, a dance drama inspired by the acclaimed Kannada play by Girish Karnad. This performance marked the first time the play was reimagined as a Bharatanatyam dance drama in Kuwait, creating a unique fusion of classical Indian dance and regional literature.
The production was directed and choreographed by Vinitha Pratish, artistic director of Srishti Productions and Srishti School of Classical Dance, Kuwait, with assistance from Arya BR. The performers were talented students from Srishti, representing Kuwait and other countries, whose dedication and artistry vividly brought the story to life on stage. Srishti has been presenting innovative dance dramas for over 20 years, and this performance highlighted their continuing creative evolution.
What set this production apart was its innovative choreography, which fused the precise, expressive language of Bharatanatyam with subtle elements of folk music, creating a rich and textured storytelling experience. The timeless themes of love, identity, and transformation resonated deeply with a diverse audience, demonstrating the universality of Karnad’s narrative.
The theatrical experience was further enhanced by a carefully curated musical score that blended classical rhythms with modern fusion instruments, including the bass guitar.
A live orchestra led by Arun Gopinath from Canada, featuring musicians Kiran Gopinath, Easwar Ramakrishnan, Raghunadhan Savitry, Sasi Kottakkal, Dheera Ragesh, and Devna Prasanth, added depth, energy, and emotion to the performance.
Audience members were captivated by the dancers’ expressive performances, the striking visual design, and the seamless integration of music and movement.
Nagamandala not only celebrated the richness of Indian performing arts but also highlighted the evolving potential of Bharatanatyam as a medium for contemporary storytelling, positioning Kuwait as a stage for global artistic innovation.
