The Abhinaya Dance Company presents Gandhi, choreographed by Rasika and Mythili Kumar, on March 31 (Jackson Theater, Ohlone College, Fremont) and April 6 (Crocker Theater, Cabrillo College, Fremont).
Six decades after the death of Gandhi, known as Mahatma (a great soul), his inspired movements for non-violence, civil rights, and religious tolerance continue to be relevant today — the subject of this South Indian classical dance company's production.
Company artistic director Mythili Kumar dances the title role. The dance-theater production uses the voice of Manubhen, Gandhi's grand-niece, who reminisces about the events that led him to becoming a world figure, through his struggles in South Africa, his civil disobedience movement against the British in India, and his untiring efforts to unify the religious groups in India.
The dance scenes are offered in the classical dance style of Bharatanatyam, which originated in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Since 1986, Abhinaya has staged several full-length dance dramas; the organization is known both for its adherence to tradition and its innovative multi-cultural collaborations.