From foundling to goddess. In this episode of Gurus on the Spot we shimmy through the life, poetry and passion of Āndāl, a young woman of 8th/9th century Tamil culture who became an iconic poet. Elevated to the status of a goddess with her own temple her poetry is sung even today, especially during the month of Margazhi (December to January).
Join me as we speak with dance artist Anita Ratnam who has been dancing Āndāl’s poetry for several decades. Anita embodies Āndāl’s ferocious intelligence. For dancers, make sure you watch the second half of the conversation for Anita’s tips on staging, lighting, and costume for presenting the legendary Āndāl on physical and virtual stages.
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