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Arangham
consciously seeks to create work that "speaks" for the times. The year
2000 saw a major thrust in these programmes.
While some
work is being exclusively created for young audiences and to visit Chennai
schools using theatre, music and dance to great impact,
(Check "SUVVADU" for more details)
specially commissioned work is also being done for organisations
that seek Arangham's creative support to further their noble efforts of
service and rehabilitation of the physically and mentally challenged.
Several
Chennai-based NGOs like The Banyan, CAN STOP (Cancer - Support Therapy
to Overcome Pain), SCARF
(Schizophrenia Research Foundation ), Ability Foundation, NAB (National
Association for the Blind), DESH (Deepam Educational Society for Health)
and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, have worked with Anita
Ratnam and Arangham Dance Theatre,
to forge deeper bonds of love and understanding between
patients, family and the general public. Arangham has presented exclusive
shows for them in special fund raiser events.
Speaking
about this angle to ADT's work, Ratnam says:
"It hasn't been a conscious departure. With every passing day and month
I ask myself why I am still in the Arts. There are younger, faster, more
agile, technology-savvy, professional dancers around. I ask myself
what is it that will make my artistic DNA different from theirs
My life
has taught me so many things - I have strong feelings and opinions
that I don't want to separate from the work I create. And yet, I
would hate my work to preach or bludgeon.
Art
should leave spaces for questions to be asked, leave striking images in
the mind that linger on and on… Mind you, creating art for social
awareness is very, very difficult and I find it takes so much more
effort too - every image, every word needs to be so carefully chosen and
moulded into the work.
All this
work has taken time to evolve. SUVVADU
happened only now - at this time, after my kids have reached their present
awareness. I recognise a whole new set of challenges facing
today's teenagers. I know I'm not the first to do it and I won't be the
last too. I just feel I'm joining a community of citizen artistes
to illuminate pressing concerns that need to be addressed. And it makes
me happy!"
Art
& Activism focusses on "Art with a Message" - work designed without
compromise on aesthetic appeal, to reach out to a wider audience... generate greater awareness... let the heart stir the head and
the soul...
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