Brahmakalpa at Esplanade Theatre studio

In ancient Hindu religious scripture, the universe is believed to be repeatedly created and destroyed all through eternity by Brahma the creator in a never-ending process of finite and transient time cycles called the kalpa.
Building on texts from the Vedas, Manusmriti, Sangam poetry, modern scientific theories and using the vast vocabulary of bharatanatyam, Brahmakalpa – the Eternal Universe endeavours to tell the story of the universe based on ancient Sanskrit works as well as scientific truths. Conceived, choreographed and performed by dance exponents Rama Vaidyanathan and Ajith Bhaskaran Dass, this performance also features four dancers and musicians from India and Malaysia.
Ajith Bhaskaran Dass is a leading exponent of bharatanatyam and odissi in Malaysia, and has also received extensive formal training in contemporary dance. His performances reflect a unique image of conscious artistry that transcends boundaries between old and new, East and West. A lawyer by training and a dancer by choice, Ajith is Artistic Director of Suvarna Fine Arts, a well-known dance company in Malaysia.
Bharatanatyam exponent Rama Vaidyanathan is one of the most sought after artists of her generation. She trained under legendary dancer Yamini Krishnamurthy and the renowned Guru Saroja Vaidyanathan. Rama’s performances are known to be the result of her unique thought process and fresh approach to dance. While deeply rooted in tradition, she has evolved her individual style without forsaking the core principles of bharatanatyam. She brings to her dance a rare sense of devotion and dedication, and leaves her audiences with a sense of spiritual fulfillment.