>
A personal note about Stree Katha:
by Mythili Prakash – A solo Bharata Natyam Performance by Mythili Prakash, Music Room, Orange, Ca., on tour in 2008 and 2009.
Stree Katha, the untold stories of three tragic heroines of the Ramayana: This project initially began with the intent of highlighting the importance of the women in an epic that is commonly known as the heroic story of one man. Through the choreographic process, however, the project has taken shape as a more in depth analysis of femininity, its societal implications, and its subsequent effects on the human psyche. The initial idea of a narrative exploration of the stories was unsatisfying. What has made this project most significant to me has been my own exploration of the roles of these women and their link to contemporary society. The Ramayana is an epic that most Indian children have grown up with. Since I can remember, I have lived the story through Amar Chitra Kathas (comics), as a bed time story told by my grandmother, as stories performed in dance productions, and even in real life comparisons – “Be an obedient son like Rama….., “ Don’t behave like a rakshasi [demoness] like Shurpanaka!” Over the years of growing with epics such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, I have come to regard the stories as more than complex and drama-filled narratives, but rather as deeply layered life lessons. Due to the universality of their messages, mythology and traditional epics are important cultural tools that are passed through the generations. I, being American born, very well acquainted with my rich Indian heritage, am always consciously and subconsciously finding the links between the culture of my heritage and the culture of my environment. The most enjoyable and satisfying way to discover these links is artistically, through my dance.
In Stree Katha, I have written an original script. The lyrics have been translated and the music composed by the wonderfully talented Debur Srivathsa.
The women of the Ramayana that I have chosen for this production are Keikeyi, Shurpanaka, and Sita. Although the story of Sita is commonly the most explored, the focus given to heroine Keikeyi is uncommon, and the treatment of Shurpanaka as a woman of substance is extremely rare.
Keikeyi: an individual of beauty, affection, and strength, who unfortunately found the need to validate her status in relation to a man. Her story is that of a power-driven individual, perhaps similar to a high-status corporate woman today, who put aside her personal values and conscience to maintain her position of “power.”
Shurpanaka: the equivalent of a modern, liberated woman who does not hold herself to the societal expectations of feminine beauty or behavioral conduct. She believes that her beauty, femininity, and individuality lay in her power within, yet her confidence and candid approach is frowned upon by society then and even today….
Sita: considered the “ideal woman” – a symbol of beauty and quiet strength, but most importantly a loyal wife, and woman of dignity and restraint. Possibly the most tragic heroine, though she made all the “right” decisions out of complete respect and self-less love for her husband, her integrity was questioned time and again....
The first series of performances of Stree Katha will take place on May 4, 5, and 6th 2007 at The Music Room, a dance studio. An unconventional set up, the audience and performers will shift spaces for each character.
Stree Katha is a work in progress. A personal exploration, this project is indeed very special to me.
©Copyright 2005. All Rights Reserved.
Email: Mythilidance@yahoo.com