Two dancers step onto the stage – not just as performers, but as vessels of rhythm, myth, and memory. Anurakti, the first-ever duet production by Shamitha Hettige and Vithya Arasu, is a bold Indo-Sri Lankan collaboration that explores the sacred union of Shiva and Parvati through a deeply layered blend of classical dance, live music, and lyrical storytelling. Rooted in verses from the Shiva Tandava Stotra and the Ardhanarishwara Stotra, the presentation traces their cosmic relationship – from invocations and ritualistic praise to divine love and playful marital dynamics. 

Each piece in this performance is drawn from a rich cultural lineage. The opening, ‘Pranati’, invokes blessings through the ritual Ves dance of Sri Lanka, where every costume detail and movement is symbolic. Prānathāla merges life force (prāṇa) with rhythm (tāla), driven by the live pulse of Sri Lankan percussion. In ‘Pradakshina’, Parvati’s reverence for Shiva is expressed through verses from the Shiva Tandava Stotra, while ‘Parasakthi’ honours the divine feminine through a krithi by Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna – rich in tantric syllables and musical grace. The final piece, ‘Parinaya’, choreographs the Ardhanarishwara – the divine balance of masculine and feminine – through intimate, spirited gestures of teasing, devotion, and love. 

The choreography flows seamlessly between Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Mayurbhanj Chhau, and three Sri Lankan traditions – Udarata, Sabaragamuwa, and Pahatharata Nattum. These are accompanied by a live score featuring instruments such as the veena, mridangam, kanjira, and flute, alongside traditional Sri Lankan drums like the geta beraya, udekkiya, tammettama, pahatarata beraya, daula and geula. 

Come, immerse yourself in this unforgettable celebration of traditions!