Shaiva Koothu
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A ritual dance drama with a 2000-year history.
Experience a celebrated master of one of the oldest living theatre traditions, telling famed Tamil stories with a modern twist. Trained since the age of seven, dancer and actor Kapila Venu is a leading performer of Koodiyattam, a UNESCO-recognised ritual artform over 2000 years old. Typically restricted to Kerala temples, this is your chance to see a master at work.
Shaiva Koothu is a vibrant and expressive dance-drama associated with the 6th-century Tamil saint Thiru Karaikkal Ammaiyar – a remarkable female poet and devotee of Lord Shiva. The songs, sung in Tamil, beautifully convey her spiritual experiences, her love for Shiva and her journey towards enlightenment.
As one of the few women to perform male roles in these traditionally patriarchal retellings, Venu offers a feminist reimagining. In her extraordinary hands, ancient stories become startlingly alive, striking at the heart.
This is the first time in the history of Koodiyattam that this story has been adapted.
Stick around for a post-show talk following the 8pm show on 15 January.
Co-presented with Powerhouse Parramatta.
Duration
1 hour 30 minues (no interval).
Times
Thu 14th Jan
8.00pm
Fri 15th Jan
8.00pm
Sat 16th Jan
8.00pm
Experience a celebrated master of one of the oldest living theatre traditions, telling famed Tamil stories with a modern twist. Trained since the age of seven, dancer and actor Kapila Venu is a leading performer of Koodiyattam, a UNESCO-recognised ritual artform over 2000 years old. Typically restricted to Kerala temples, this is your chance to see a master at work.
Shaiva Koothu is a vibrant and expressive dance-drama associated with the 6th-century Tamil saint Thiru Karaikkal Ammaiyar – a remarkable female poet and devotee of Lord Shiva. The songs, sung in Tamil, beautifully convey her spiritual experiences, her love for Shiva and her journey towards enlightenment.
As one of the few women to perform male roles in these traditionally patriarchal retellings, Venu offers a feminist reimagining. In her extraordinary hands, ancient stories become startlingly alive, striking at the heart.
This is the first time in the history of Koodiyattam that this story has been adapted.
Stick around for a post-show talk following the 8pm show on 15 January.
Co-presented with Powerhouse Parramatta.
Duration
1 hour 30 minues (no interval).
Times
Thu 14th Jan
8.00pm
Fri 15th Jan
8.00pm
Sat 16th Jan
8.00pm
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Where is it happening?
Powerhouse Parramatta, ING Terrace 1 Danyamada Place (34 Phillip St), Parramatta NSW 2150, 34 Phillip St, Parramatta NSW 2150, Australia, Parramatta
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherSydney Festival
