Samatva
“Chandalika” is a dance drama written by Rabindranath Tagore, and it tells the story of a young girl named Prakriti who is treated as an outcast in society because of her lower caste. One day, a Buddhist monk comes to her village and asks for water. Prakriti, who is forbidden to touch the monk because of her lower caste, feels conflicted but eventually gives him water. The monk blesses her and tells her that she is no longer bound by her caste.
This script based on ‘ A TESTIMONY OF EQUINIMINITY ‘ – SAMATVA. The concept of ‘SAMATVA’ is equality, balance, or equanimity and the context of spiritual practice to describe a state of mind where one is free from attachment to desires and emotions, and sees all beings as equal. We explore themes of caste discrimination, societal norms, and the power of human connection. The dance drama features a fusion of classical Indian dance and contemporary movements, set to instrumental music presentation for the general mass.
Through the dance drama “Chandalika”, the audience is taken on a journey of self-discovery and the breaking down of social barriers. It showcases the importance of treating all individuals with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or social status.