The classical dance form of Bharatanatyam has always been deeply associated with Indian mythology and the myriad lores that coexist in its colossal oeuvre. For Bharatanatyam exponent Mythili Prakash, it is about those ‘flawed, human’-like qualities of these stories that make her upcoming set so refreshing and exciting. In this riveting medley of dance, emotion and music, Prakash will attempt a re-imagination of the dance competition between Lord Shiva and Goddess Kali. “We are playing with perspectives in this performance. According to the traditional story, Kali is invincible; so an insecure Shiva decides to cheat in order to defeat Kali. He replaces his earring with his foot and Kali ends up surrendering because she couldn’t do that,” she explains. Prakash will perform her set, AR | DHA on this dance battle between Shiva and Kali at G5A Warehouse later today, with a team of Susha Rangarajan, Ashwath Narayanan, Sumesh Narayanan and Sayee Rakshith, accompanying her.

Mythili Prakash in a moment from a rehearsal