Yāṉum | யானும்

Fragments of Femininity

Embark on a transformative experience with Artham Dance Company's Yāṉum - Fragments of Femininity, a groundbreaking contemporary Bharatanatyam dance performance making its world premiere at TAPAC this March.

Meticulously researched and crafted over two years, this visionary project contemporarily narrates the ancient Tamil literature Aimperumkāppiyaṅkaḷ accompanied by astounding original musical score and the enchanting rhythms of koṉṉakkōl at its
core. Sharing a mesmerising series of five solo dance performance tableaux, where each character portrays a distinct yet interconnected story.

Drawing inspiration from the illustrious Tamil epics of ஐம்பெருங் காப்பியங்கள், these characters span diverse ages, backgrounds, and circumstances from the Sangam era, resonating deeply with contemporary women and exploring themes of loyalty, love, liberation, lust, and labour.

As a global first, Yāṉum boldly innovates classical dance by blending modern storytelling, Bharatanatyam, and koṉṉakkōl, with international collaborators contributing to the original music composition and literary research. In the current world climate, this world premiere signifies the power of activism through art.

Don't miss your chance to witness this kaupapa live—it's a production made by South Asians for Aotearoa audiences, aiming to connect and inspire.

Book your ticket now and be a part of this unforgettable journey into art and the human experience that transcends time and culture.

Presented by:
Artham Dance Company NZ, established in 2015 is a New Zealand based dance production company providing unique experience for its Aotearoa audience, through exploratory and experimental story telling with an underpinning classical Indian dance form.
Artham Dance Company NZ is committed to showcasing original, engaging and exceptional work.

Creative team:
Artistic Director | Bhuvana Kannan புவனா கண்ணன்
Creative Producer | Padma Akula பத்மா அகுலா
Tamil literature consultant & Lyricist | Ramesh Vaidhya ரமேஷ் வைத்தியா
Music Composer | Karnan Saba கர்ணன் சபா
Koṉṉakkōl Artist | Ghatam Uma Shankar  கடம் உமா சங்கர்

Performers:
Dharshna Ponnampalam தர்ஷனா பொன்னம்பலம்
Seyorn Arunagirinathan சேயோன் அருணகிரிநாதன்
Swetha Gopi ஸ்வேதா கோபி
Ambaree Deepak Rege அன்பரி தீபக் ரெக்
Athulya Mohan அதுலியா மோகன் 
Niken Waloejo நிகென் வாலிஜோ
Bhuvana Kannan புவனா கண்ணன்

Audience warnings:
Recommended 13+. Contains mature themes. Contains haze and fog.

Image credit:
Lochana Wijesundera லோசன விஜிசுந்தேரா

Promoted by:
Community Collective Aunty’s House

Supported by: 
Foundation North Asian Artists’ Fund & Creative New Zealand 

Post-show Q & A: Friday 15 March 8:30PM - Directly after performance..