Ikshana Presented by HCL Concerts Captivates Chennai in a Mesmerizing Bharatanatyam Performance Addressing Climate Crisis

Chennai,September 30, 2024: The much-anticipated Chennai premiere of Ikshana, a Bharatanatyam series that addresses the urgent issue of the climate crisis, took place on September 29, 2024, at the prestigious Sri Krishna Gana Sabha. Presented by HCL Concerts in collaboration with Poornam Ecovision Foundation, the performance earned a rapturous standing ovation for its compelling blend of classical dance and ecological awareness.

Directed by renowned Bharatanatyam artist Tanya Saxena, Ikshana is an evocative three-act performance that delves into humanity’s evolving and fraught relationship with nature. The first act traces the early evolution of humankind and its harmonious connection with the planet, while the second portrays the devastating environmental destruction caused by human activity. The final act presents the psychological impact of the climate crisis on modern individuals, creating a poignant reflection on the state of the Earth’s future.

What set this performance apart was the powerful integration of multiple languages, including, Tamil, Kodava, Marathi, Jharkhandi, Bengali, Sanskrit, Hindi and English, adding depth and regional significance to the narrative. The ensemble of performers, including Tanya Saxena, Rama Kshirsagar, Anagha Harkare, Ridhi Potdar, Niyati Visal, and Srushti Loya, captivated the audience with their flawless execution, using Bharatanatyam to communicate an urgent message with precision and grace.

Tanya Saxena shared her thoughts on performing in Chennai, saying, “Chennai’s cultural heritage is deeply intertwined with Bharatanatyam, and it was an honor to perform here. The audience’s response was beyond anything we could have hoped for. Bringing Ikshana to life in Chennai, with its unique cultural richness, made this performance especially significant.”

Anshul Adhikari, Head of HCL Concerts,commented, “At HCL Concerts, our mission is not just to preserve and promote India’s classical arts but also to make them a meaningful part of contemporary discourse. Chennai’s audience has a deep appreciation for Bharatanatyam, and it was inspiring to see them embrace Ikshana. This production proves that classical dance has the power to drive awareness on issues as critical as the climate crisis, and we are proud to support its journey across India.”

The Chennai premiere was part of Ikshana’s five-city tour that began in Pune on September 20, 2024, and has since travelled to Bengaluru and Chennai and will culminate in New Delhi. With each performance, the series continues to provoke thought and inspire action on one of the most pressing issues of our time.

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