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From ancient Greek mythology to modern times, Medusa has been portrayed as a monster, a protective symbol, a rallying figure of liberty and strength, and a sympathetic victim of rape and abuse. On April 30th 2022, Mohini Dance School presented their premiere show of “Nirvana, re-visioning the mythical Medusa” as an Indian Dance Ballet in Bellevue, WA. There were two full-house shows, which received standing ovations and rave reviews. Nirvana is the culmination of over two years of research and preparation. This concept was first launched by Smitha Krishnan at the peak of the pandemic in 2020 when the School’s classes came to a stop.
It soon became a channel for the School to help struggling artists in Kerala, several of who were considering abandoning their craft to support their families during the pandemic. The School engaged several local musicians, composers, lyricists and tailors and supported them financially through this mutually beneficial project. Nirvana is a 2-hour audio-visual experience involving 12 performers, originally composed music, highly impactful lighting and sets.
I have been revisiting the production over and over in my mind – and each time I describe it to someone the depth of your interpretation spiritually and creatively becomes ever more striking. What a treasure your dream has become. Hopefully you will be able take it on tour – the world needs to see this!
Ajita G.
Smitha, I can’t even tell you how amazing it was to watch NIRVANA. I’ve never seen anything like it. The costumes, the dancers facial expressions to tell the story, I can tell how much work went into the show. It was really moving.
Mj J.
Nirvana!!!! Hats off to Mohini Dance School and team for an awesome evening. Greek mythology “Medusa” was portrayed so well through the medium of mohiniyattam. Choreography, music, costumes and props were excellent.Congratulations to Smitha Krishnan and Mohini school. Let us bring this production to Portland!!
Mini J.
When talent meets passion, creativity collides with vision, leadership inspires teamwork, ‘Nirvana’ happens !! A magnificent display of perseverance and hard work by each and everyone involved , this was a sheer delight to watch. Congratulations and Thank you to Mohini Dance School for putting together this mesmerizing experience for us. Wishing the entire team the very best and lots more of glorious and gratifying endeavors in the years to come.
Vinnetha N.
Smitha, congratulations again.. the show was amazing! The best I’ve seen in the US. Hats off to you for the amazing concept , choreography and execution. The entire show was spectacular! Music was so AMAZING! The stage setup and props were on point, not loud at all but just right to set the mood. Congratulations Smitha, I’d love to see this performance again. I hope you guys will get to showcase Nirvana at many more venues and festivals
Susan P.
Congratulations on a very well done production! Kudos to all team members from every department, for executing things to a T! Music was well done and added to the energy of the storyline, almost like a movie score. Very smart use of lighting and props, aptly & elegantly used to carry the narrative forward. The characters and their stage time was well balanced overall. Refreshing to see classical dance being used as a medium to tell stories from across the world.
Raji K.
Beautiful and super graceful performance. Very expressive and kept us engaged throughout the show. Dancers executed their parts to perfection. Exemplification of how music and dance go hand in hand. Excellent musical production which took the show to another level. Beautifully conceptualized and executed in clear and easy to follow segments. Brilliant detail oriented props that were also smartly used. Beautiful costumes, so wonderfully color coded to represent unique characters. Some standouts were the Ocean God Poseidon, the Snakes, Medusa and Perseus.
Jothi L.