For aficionados of legendary Tamil writer ‘Kalki’ Krishnamurthy, here is an opportunity to watch his magnum opus Sivagamiyin Sabadham come alive on stage on February 9. Madurai R Muralidaran’s troupe will enact a dance musical of the unforgettable story of love and revenge set in 7th century South India.
The 17th stage production of Muralidaran, who runs the Nrithyakshethra Dance Academy, the dance musical will depict the struggle for supremacy between the Chalukyas and Pallavas, the ill-fated love between Narsimhavarma Pallava and dancer Sivagami, her kidnapping by Pulikesi II and her vow for revenge. “Around 50 professional dancers, 10 trained drama actors, 20 martial experts and 20 professional folk dancers are participating,” Muralidaran said.
“Three dancers – S Ananya (10), M Kavya Lakshmi (17) and ‘Kalaimamani’ Uma Murali – will portray Sivagami, as she grows from a young girl to a woman.” While 21 characters in the novel will appear on stage, Muralidaran said he would play the double roles of Pulikesi and his twin brother Naganandhi.
The digitally recorded multi-track music, rhythm and mridangam are by D A Srinivas.
“It took us four months just for the recording ,” Srinivas said. Several musical instruments, both North and South Indian, like the veena, chitra veena, sarangi, sitar and flute have been used for the compositions, he added.
Art direction is by Padmavasan, with advanced lighting and sound by internationally acclaimed technicians. The show will be premiered at the Sir Mutha Venkatasubbha Rao Concert Hall on February 9.