Representative of the abstract and the concrete universes, the lotus flower has held a sacred status since antiquity by Hindus, Egyptians and thereafter
by Buddhists. It is revered in China and Japan, and adopted as a Christian emblem by the Greek and Latin Churches.
‘Alapadma’ refers to a fully opened lotus, and is the name of a dance mudra (hand gesture) as codified in ancient texts on Indian dance and theatre. Alapadma – The Lotus Unfolds is a Bharatanatyam dance production that draws inspiration from the multifaceted symbolism of the lotus. Dancers and musicians from Apsaras Arts explore the sacred flower’s representation in mythology, iconography and philosophy, particularly in the ancient civilisations of India, Egypt and Southeast Asia.
Artistic Director: Aravinth Kumarasamy
Music Composer: Chithrapoornima Sathish, Rajkumar Bharathi
Choreographer: Mohanapriyan Thavarajah,
Costume Designer: Mohanapriyan Thavarajah
“Choreography, movements and music synchronised effectively. While the references to other cultural lore were cloaked in the same format, taken as a classical Indian dance work, ‘Alapadma’ was wholly successful”
PUSHKALA GOPAL, The Hindu
“Apsaras Arts four decade experience of prolific international productions, was reflected in the deftness and uniqueness of their production. Alapadma – The Lotus Unfolds was deft and unique as a production”
KUMUDHA BHARTHRAM, The Hindu