Shantha Ratii Initiatives (SRI) will present Blindfolded – A Reimagining of the Mahabharata as part of its annual International Dance Day (IDD) Festival 2026 on Feb 28 from 7.30pm at Victoria Theatre.
The Indian classical dance-theatre production offers a contemporary interpretation of the timeless epic Mahabharata, exploring enduring themes of duty (dharma), righteousness and the consequences of personal choices in an increasingly conflict-ridden world.
Viewed through the perspective of Queen Gandhari – wife of the blind King Dhritarashtra and mother to the Kaurava princes – the narrative unfolds on the eve of the epic Kurukshetra war. In an introspective encounter with her conscience, Gandhari is compelled to confront her silence, loyalty and the moral compromises that shaped the kingdom’s tragic fate.
As her conscience shifts between multiple personas – stern, sorrowful, sarcastic and reflective – Gandhari embarks on a journey of self-realisation, confronting grief, denial and regret.
The production culminates in a poignant post-war scene, where Gandhari and Kunti walk across the battlefield of fallen sons, as Krishna delivers a sobering message on the dangers of envy, hatred and blind allegiance.
SRI founder Shantha Ratii, a globally recognised exponent of Kuchipudi with over five decades of experience in Bharatanatyam and Kathakali, said the metaphor of “blindfolded” resonates strongly in contemporary society.
“Conflict seems to be the norm today. We have moved away from righteousness and allowed power, greed and hatred to overpower us, much like Gandhari,” she said, noting that dance can be a powerful medium to provoke thought while evoking emotion.
Beyond the flagship performance, the festival aims to promote emerging dance talent in Singapore, preserve classical Indian traditions, and foster cross-disciplinary collaborations that reflect the city-state’s multicultural identity.
A Singapore-based non-profit, SRI continues to champion innovation within the classical arts by bridging heritage with contemporary narratives, engaging new audiences while preserving the integrity of traditional Indian dance forms in a rapidly evolving global society.
Tickets Link: https://shorturl.at/3quMM
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8 May 2025 18:46
