Much-loved bharatanatyam artist blurs the line between Goddess and Woman

Alongside an all-female cast, Mythili Prakash explores the relationship between “femininity” and “purity”. Be immersed in mythical narratives surrounding the Goddess Devi, the woman, the dancing body, and the social and performative constructs of bharatanatyam.

The Goddess was created by male gods, generated with their energies and weapons to kill an army of demons. By inhabiting this character she explores psychological states that challenge the ideals of “restraint” that characterise femininity in both classical dance and in society.

A second generation Indian and American artist, Mythili belongs to a new generation of classical Indian dancers. A regular collaborator of Akram Khan, she is one of the most celebrated and respected bharatanatyam choreographers and dancers today.

Header image description: A female performer in a red top holds her hands in front of her mouth. One eye is visible. It is wide and focused. She has dark hair that is pulled away from her face, but one strand is tangled in her hands. She wears a red dot on her forehead between her eyebrows.

Header Image © Maxime Dos