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Experience the artistry of Bharatanatyam South Indian traditional dance in SAMAR: {summit; kama}, a captivating performance led by acclaimed dancer Sujit Vaidya. Accompanied by live Carnatic (South Indian classical) music, this presentation honours the choreographies of his guru, A. Lakshman, while exploring the layered meanings of “samar”—from the Sanskrit representation of Kama, the God of Eros, to the Urdu interpretation of a summit or peak.

Through intricate movement and evocative storytelling, SAMAR delves into themes of desire, intimacy, and transcendence. Featuring an exceptional ensemble of musicians—Curtis Andrews (mridangam two-headed drum), Arno Kamolika (nattuvangam - cymbals), Sheema Balakrishnan (vocals), and Shriram Rajagopalan (violin)—this production brings the full depth of Bharatanatyam’s musical and rhythmic traditions to life.

Beyond its technical mastery, SAMAR challenges colonial hierarchies in the performing arts, celebrating South Asian classical traditions while engaging with contemporary conversations on queerness, stillness, and gaze. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness Bharatanatyam in its most immersive and thought-provoking form.

Bharatanatyam was born in the courts and temples of South India and was performed and developed by female-led hereditary communities of experts in the art form. It evolved to adapt to the stage, with an emphasis on devotional themes (at the expense of the erotic), while still allowing for the expression of emotions through music, acting, hand gestures, and intricate rhythmic compositions.

About the Performers:

Sujit Vaidya (India/Canada) is an independent dance artist/choreographer based in Vancouver, BC. His artistic choices reflect the curiosities and experiences he holds as a queer artist of colour, while deeply engaging with an art form rooted in tradition. He was the first South Asian artist to receive the Vancouver City’s Mayor’s award as best emerging dance artist in 2010.

Arno Kamolika will be fulfilling the role of the nattuvanar, the orchestra conductor who accentuates and anchors the rhythms of the dancer with small cymbals and her voice, using spoken rhythmic syllables called solkattu.

Sheema Balakrishnan is a vocalist based in New Westminster, BC who performs and collaborates globally.

Shriram Rajagopalan (India/United States) is one of the leading violinists in the Carnatic (South Indian) style of music in BC. 

Curtis Andrews (Canada) is a Vancouver-based percussionist and one of the few players of the mridangam in the Lower Mainland, often collaborating with artists in intercultural texts.