Kasi - The Infinite
About
Kasi - The Infinite is a remarkable dance-theatre production by Kalpavriksha Fine Arts Ltd.
Premiering at Singapore's Esplanade Theatres in 2022 to a full house, it received
widespread acclaim for its artistic and cultural depth. It was restaged in Singapore for the
Samskriti Festival 2023, continuing to captivate audiences with its profound themes and
artistic excellence.
Approach
Choreographed by Meera Balasubramanian, founder of Kalpavriksha Fine Arts, this
production explores Kasi as a sacred city and a cosmic entity. Through Bharatanatyam, it
celebrates Indian heritage while uncovering Kasi's metaphysical essence as a link to the
divine.
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Core team
Meera Balasubramanian
Choreographer & Lead dancer
Sudha Raghuraman
Music Composer
Rama Vaidyanathan
Mentor
Kasi – The Infinite reflects on Kasi as the holy city and, more importantly, personifies her as the cosmic space.In reflecting the myriad forms of Kasi, this production seamlessly weaves choreography, music, and dialogue to highlight Kasi's role as a symbol of strength, joy, and timeless energy—qualities that inspire introspection and connection to universal truths.
Yajnaseni - The Eternal Flame
About
Does your dharma take precedence over your emotions? Where do we draw the line between a higher purpose and the depths of human feeling? Can the dharma of society truly overwrite a woman’s personal dharma, her emotions, and her dignity?
Approach
Born from a cosmic fire, Draupadi’s life embodies the complexities of these questions. Every moment of her existence has shaped humanity’s understanding of dharma. In the Mahabharata, she stands as a powerful symbol of self-worth, devotion, and righteousness, guiding the narrative toward the ultimate triumph of good over evil. This is the essence of Panchali’s strength, yet it came at a profound cost.
Yajnaseni – The Eternal Flame is a mesmerizing dance-theatre production that brings to life the saga of Draupadi, the formidable heroine of the Mahabharata. Through Bharatanatyam, this production journeys through the defining chapters of her existence—her fiery birth, the swayamvara that seals her destiny, the harrowing humiliation that becomes a catalyst for war, and her steadfast dedication to dharma.
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Core team
Meera Balasubramanian
Concept & direction
Mr Haripadman
Choreography
Mr OS Arun
Music
Produced by Kalpavriksha Fine Arts, Singapore, Yajnaseni premiered in Esplanade theatre in 2019 featuring Meera Balasubramanian in the lead role. Combining the richness of classical Indian dance, evocative music, and compelling storytelling, the production explores themes of gender, power, and resilience that resonate deeply with contemporary audiences.
Mudivil Oru Arambam
About
Mudivil Oru Arambam premiered at Drama Centre Theatre, Singapore in the year 2016. To date, it remains a riveting production that highlights the multitude of challenges that passionate artists face in their journey to pursue their passion; a journey which is a struggle between their pristine artistic pursuit and the commercialisation of the performing arts. Mudivil Oru Arambam is a dance-theatre production that tells the tale of three young dancers
and their journey through the demands and realities of the world of arts.
Approach
Mudivil Oru Arambam’, is a dance-theatre production that tells the tale of three young dancers and their journey through the demands and realities of the arts world. Each of these young dancers enter the teachings of the traditional Indian art of Bharatanatyam with diametrically different expectations and aspirations. One believes that the glamour and fame of performing the art will give her an ideal avenue into the world of film. Another is a sincere devotee to the art form, cherishing the principles and discipline that Bharatanatyam provides. The third dancer enters the field out of compulsion, and is perpetually cynical of any positive benefits that this classical form could possibly provide.
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As their paths meet, these dancers form bonds of friendship, however as they delve into the field, they realise their expectations become misconstrued by reality. They start to realise that in today’s commercial society, it is difficult for them to hold true to their ideals. Will their dreams survive? Will they find solace and purpose in art within the harsh realities of the conventional perceptions?
Presented through the form of theatre and Bharatanatyam, this production will follow the story of these three dancers, their dreams, struggles and their ultimate appreciation of the true meaning and relevance of art. Premiered in July 2016 at the Drama Centre Theatre, featured the founders of Kalpavriksha in the lead role along with talented ensemble dancers fromSIngapore.
Mallari
About
The Mallari is a sacred invocatory temple procession that welcomes the Gods with joyous music and dance. The Nadaswaram, a dynamic instrument associated to devotion and spirituality, has been the centerpiece of such temple proceedings with its grandiose tone and musicality. Its origins can be traced back to the sacred temples of ancient India, where it found its purpose as a divine medium to connect with the higher realms. While the significance of the nadaswaram in Indian tradition has remained evergreen, its evolution alongside various cultural movements in India has proven its perpetual relevance through time. In this music and dance production, we celebrate the nadaswaram’s significance over various periods of Indian culture, from the bhakti era, to the royal courts, cinema and contemporary music renditions. We present these musical pieces alongside various dance disciplines of Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam and contemporary ballet bringing together a beautiful synergy of tradition and modernity on stage. MAllari premiered in the year 2023 as part of Samskriti festival by Kalpavriksha Fine Arts. Featured over 30 artists from Singapore and India.
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Core team
Meera Balasubramanian
Concept & direction
