Exploring the Intersection of Dance and Environmentalism in Tribute to Padmashree Saalumarada Thimmakka

A captivating program by Guru Shama Bhate’s Nad-Roop, ArtHub, and Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute-Pune.

PUNE: The remarkable story of environmentalist Padmashree Saalumarada Thimmakka will be celebrated through the immersive dance production ‘Unnayan’, presented by ArtHub and renowned Kathak exponent Guru Shama Bhate’s Nad-Roop in collaboration with Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute (BORI) on Saturday 16th November 2024, 7.00 pm onwards at BORI’s Open-air Theatre. Entry to the program is free for all on a first-come, first-served basis with a few seats reserved for invitees.

Conceptualized by Guru Shama Bhate, ‘Unnayan’ pays tribute to the transformative journeys of Saalumarada Thimmakka and other pioneering Indian women environmentalists in a powerful Kathak narrative. ‘Thimmakka’, who at 113, despite facing immense personal challenges, has transformed barren landscapes around Hulikal and Kudur in Karnataka by planting and nurturing over eight thousand trees along the highway. Her legacy was honoured by the Padmashree Award in 2019 and she was recognized as one of BBC’s 100 influential women in environmentalism. ‘Unnayan’ brings Thimmakka’s inspiring journey to life, portraying the emotional depth and resilience of her work.

“Unnayan is more than a performance,” explains Guru Shama Bhate. “It is a celebration of India’s environmental heritage and the remarkable women who have safeguarded it with dedication. Through Kathak, we aim to inspire audiences to reflect on their connection to nature and the impact that they too, can make.”

With Guru Shama Bhate’s intricate choreography, Unnayan blends traditional Kathak storytelling with innovative production elements. Shama Bhate and her team of talented dancers- Ameera Patankar, Avani Gadre, Shraddha Mukhade, Shreya Kulkarni, Esha Nanal, and others, bring to life the narrative of Thimmakka and other iconic women like Tulsi Gowda, Medha Patkar, and Dr. Vandana Shiva, who have each played pivotal roles in conserving India’s natural heritage.

‘Unnayan’ showcases Kathak’s expressive power in conveying complex narratives. The production’s musical score is composed by Vinay Ramdasan with mixing by Ishan Devasthali and TSM Studio. The stage will be set with captivating lighting design by Harshawardhan Pathak and Rutwij Keluskar, costumes by Sheetal Oak, and sound by Prashant Urunkar will surely draw the audiences into Thimmakka’s world.

Produced by ArtHub, a non-profit organization committed to preserving classical arts, Unnayan honors the dedication of women in conservation and inspires audiences to embrace environmental safeguarding. ArtHub’s support has enabled the production to blend classical music, poetic narration in Hindi, English, and Kannada, and imaginative staging.

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