"Naachiyar" transported the audience to a bygone era where art, culture and literature flourished. Anita Ratnam's graceful poses, adroit footwork, supple nritya exercises and contemporary sensibility stole the show... The smooh flow of interpretation and clarity of visualization were high points of the dancer's narration.

The procession of the idol and the conducting Thillana were cleverly choreographed. The music was of a high standard... the temple "sevakan" with a large colourful "namam" played the conch with tremendous lung power and made a dramatic addition to the cast.

On invitation to perform for the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Shanmukhananda Sabha, Mumbai, Anita Ratnam offered a lecture demonstration on her production "Naachiyar" on November 8, 2003. The details were well-received as reviewed below:

Anita Ratnam is a very articulate person and builds a good rapport with her audience and conveys her ideas with felicity. She demonstrated how a length of cloth could serve as a wonderful prop... becomes a co-dancer and creates its own personality. The use of several other props that she had collected from around the globe; how space opens up different dimensions; working with various levels, were also demonstrated by her.

"Anita Ratnam impressed the audience immensely with a fluent communication of her ideas of contemporary technique for traditional themes.

Anita was precise, and well co-ordinated in thought and action, bringing up her views on conceptualisation of the different ideas and strengthening them with appropriate visualisation. "Penne, Penne," describing the faceless female in society, the use of cloth at various points of depiction for "Penn", and again in Naachiyar and Panchajanyam and finally the depiction of a discordant nightmare with movement technique, were some of the examples shown by Anita to support her presentation. The lines, diagonal movements and working at different levels, like low, medium, upper and aerial, used in group productions, were explained."

She came and conqured Delhi's dance scene with her production NAACHIYAR. From the beginning to the end there was not a single slip. Anita had done her homework thoroughly. Carefully worked out concept, choreography, casting and costumes... a total presentation.

Having seen the work in Chennai last year, one remembers it for the neat choreography and visual aesthetics in presentation. Giving the story of Andal a special dimension and vitality was Revathy Sankkaran's vibrant acting and singing in the role of the foster mother. Anita herself as Andal gave her all to the part.

What set it apart in its unfolding was the entire modernistic approach of stylised choreography, elements from the twilight of dance's history...The transparent guaze curtain, part and parcel of ancient theatre practice isn't just a prop for entry but a host of interesting images, a garland, a mirror, then again a flute and a little later a stream of running water! Andal Pravesham is now acomplished, comfortably spanning several millennia.

An aroma and substance quite different from the usual fare... Excellent choreography... a mature abstemiousness far from the insulting opulence one is often treated to in dance theatre productions... Anita Ratnam has found her place in Bharatanatyam, in off-beat creations rather than the Alaripu to Tillana margam format... The production touched all hearts."

Dancing to no rigid tune....bridging the gap between purists and modernists.

From the Audience

Your performance par excellence has kept our members spell bound... the new dimension given to "Andal" by you is still the "talk of the town". Hats off to you and your team!

"Naachiyar" is indeed a piece of gem. Beautiful conception, evocative choreography and masterly execution makes "Naachiyar" one of the outstanding production of our times. I can say no more. Simply great.

It was such a pleasure to watch your performance at Aurangabad. Your fluid grace and mudras and bhavanais were a treat to watch. It was the first time that I was seeing the use of a prop in a Bharatanatyam dance (the conch that you used to describe Panchajanyam.)... I am eagerly waiting to see you on stage again.

I immigrated to US around 1970 and since then I am stationed in US East coast. I have been following your career since you started as Anchor woman in USA... I was at your very modern presentation of Nachiar Andal Thiruppavai at T.Nagar (Chennai).

Let me congratulate you for the superb Dance Drama. Your novel approach of combining Hindu Mythology with Modern American Drama will in my opinion be a sure hit with young American boys who want to understand our Indian Dance but are afraid of asking or enjoying it. May be your novel approach will open their Indian Cultural Window for them!!

I'm a Tamil expatriate living in London for the past 26 years (a primary school teacher by profession). We made it a point to visit Chennai during the music season this year. Your dance drama topped the list as our favourites (the reason being - it was MODERN, PURE and TRADITIONAL. Above all it was in TAMIL!)

Your production NAACHIYAR took us to another world! We liked your approach - NEW but STILL PURE. We are also feeling very happy to know that the well known artists like you are researching the Sangam literature for new ideas. Inclusion of the artist Revathy on the dance stage was another commendable idea!

Bharatnatyam as an ancient, wonderful art should not die and many many youngsters must be encouraged to be your followers. You have to be the role model for them!

It was a wonderful treat you provided us with your brilliant choreographic presentation of Naachiyar... a delightful spiritual experience... You were able to portray the agony, the anger and the ecstasy of Andal well supported by flawless movements through jathis. I wish we have more and more people like you who render such great service to rich Alwar legacy. It is also the fact that people like you are the new cultural ambassadors both within our wide country and outside who can blend rich traditon with modern idiom.

Congrats on your excellent performance on 20th. There were certain scenes that brought tears to my eyes.

Thanks for inviting us and thanks for a lovely show. The tale was unknown to me and it was very emotional in parts. Loved the way the piece was influenced by kathakali- my most precious moments. Urges me to work with you, direct parts of it, be in some, dancing with you.