DEVADASI – A DANCER’S JOURNEY FROM THE TEMPLE TO THE STREETS

“Devadasi” is a one-woman dance drama including aspects of acting, singing as well as Indian Classical and contemporary dancing. It is set in India but the dialogue is in English. It gives the audience a glimpse into the life of a Devadasi who was a girl “married” off to the temples by families who could not afford to look after them.

These girls would maintain and clean the temples and in their spare time do devotional dances in praise of various deities. This was the birthplace of many of the 7 Indian classical dance styles of India. During the late 1800’s when the British invaded India, they confined many of these girls to brothels where they were forced into prostitution and lived the rest of their day’s outcaste from society and were even known as “untouchables”. Many people think that Indian dance is all about glitz and glamour just as most modern artists portray it. We are quick to be dazzled by the beautiful costumes and jewellery, but it is to these poor girls that we owe the very existence of Indian Classical Dance. I think it is time this story was told.

In Devadasi, the character Deva, brings light to her hard and unpleasant life. She is not cynical and has kept her faith through her hardships, which makes her story so heartfelt and real. I invite the audience to experience a slice of the life of a Devadasi. Maybe this will help us appreciate the simple freedoms which every human being should have by right.

“…Devadasi was moving and enlightening… There was not a dry eye in the audience. Narotam is a new kid on the block, but she is going to make her mark.” Sunday Times Extra, 29 September 2013 – WITS Theatre, Johanessburg.

“Such a powerful look at the life of these young ladies and the Indian culture. Being informed prevents misconceptions.” Said Marlene Pieterse, Principal of Stageworld Theatre School, Port Elizabeth.

“…this show left me speechless...” Said Vinodji Kumar Sharma, Consul-General of India, Durban who was the Guest of Honour at the debut performance of Devadasi on 12 April 2013 in Port Elizabeth.

“…congratulations to Aarti on her stunningly artistic rendition of dance, the best we've seen. Not even during our trip to India last year did we see such passion and devotion in a dancer. It was an honour and a privilege to have been exposed to such professionalism.” Said Joan Pickworth an arts patron.

“…you were like a whiff of fresh air…” Said Ms Amita Shaw, Director of the Indira Gandhi Centre for Indian Culture, Mauritius – July 2013.

“What a moving experience – a jumble of disturbing emotions and disquiet moving towards the serene and beautiful. Aarti Narotam is a superbly talented dancer – incredibly graceful. For those who shared in this artistic and emotional experience, we hope that you also have been catalyzed into the intellectual engagement – asking many questions about Devadasis and the evolution of modern Indian dance.” Said Darshana Rama, principal of Vadhini Dance School, Cape Town – March 2014.

After a successful run in Port Elizabeth, East London, Mauritius, Johannesburg, Ladysmith and Mthatha during 2013, and in Cape Town on 22nd March 2014, Devadasi will be staged at the Grahamstown Arts Festival, 2014 at the B2 Arena. The first show is a FREE performance, the rest being ticketed at R70 for adults, R60 for students or for block bookings of 10pax or more.

Thursday 3 July:            14h00

Thursday 3 July:            Sundowner’s Concert @ 17h00 (foyer of 1820 Settlers Monument)

Friday 4 July:                12h00

Saturday 5 July:            16h00

Sunday 6 July:              18h00

Monday 7 July:             22h00

Bookings through www.nationalartsfestival.co.za or through call centre 0860 002 004. Suitable for all ages. One hour in duration