Sutradhar Institute of Dance and Related Arts has created Walk the Sky -- one its most eloquent, cutting edge works in the Kuchipudi classical dance genre. Walk the sky celebrates the life and work of the radical poet-saint Mahadevi Akka who invited the ire and social ostracization of her husband the King, the entire city and her own parents when she walked away from an abusive marriage and sought the freedom to write her poetry. Living alone in the forests she came to a state of complete enlightenment and her lyrics dedicated to Lord Shiva are some of the most luminous, stirring devotional lines ever created in Indian literature. She was later recognized by her contemporary male saints who gathered to listen, discuss and witness her state of spiritual understanding and grace. The dance is a collaboration between Nilimma Devi and her daughter Anila Kumari; using yoga postures, martial arts and classical Kuchipudi in a blended new way of moving. Anila Kumari dances the lead role as Mahadevi Akka. An enormous mask represents the enraged Durga (the fierce Goddess) in righteous indignation, dancing on behalf of all censored voices and freedom seekers. Towards the end a Akka walks away from the battle, leaving all vestiges of outer identity, shells of social labels, behind her -- as she sheds silk clothing, jewelry and comforts to enter a new life of true selfhood.
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