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Mohini Dance School brings latest drama to Seattle’s Cornish Playhouse
The dance immersive drama through a blend of English drama, Indian classical, and contemporary dance, explores Cleopatra’s inner battles.
Smitha Krishnan as Cleopatra / Image- Mohini Dance School
Indian American classical dancer, choreographer, and founder of Redmond-based Mohini Dance School, Smitha Krishnan is set to premiere her latest production, Woman With No Wings, at the Cornish Playhouse from Sept. 27-29.
The play put up by the students of the school offers a fresh take on Cleopatra, focusing on the queen’s mental health struggles and her journey towards inner strength.“This is not just Cleopatra as you’ve seen her before,” Krishnan said commenting on the show.. “It’s a portrayal of a woman whose struggles echo those of so many today.”
Woman With No Wings, through a blend of English drama, Indian classical, and contemporary dance, explores Cleopatra’s inner battles. The choreography, set to original music in five languages, visually represents the "Shadows," a concept drawn from Jungian philosophy. These Shadows, embodied by dancers, depict Cleopatra's inner demons and her path to self-realization and healing.
Krishnan's personal experiences with mental health inspired her to create this production, aiming to foster dialogue on a subject that often remains taboo, particularly in the South Asian community. “Mental health touches everyone’s lives,” she says. “By recognizing and embracing her Shadows, Cleopatra takes the first step towards true healing. I hope her journey and mine can be an inspiration for others.”
The production will also include a post-show discussion on Sept. 29, in collaboration with Crisis Connections and Indian American Community Services to further explore the play’s themes of mental health.
Krishnan, who began her training in Indian classical dance at the age of 4, found her passion for Mohiniyattam at 10 under the tutelage of Guru Kala Vijayan, daughter of the renowned Guru Kalyanikuttiyamma, the "Mother of Mohiniyattam." Her training in this strict, traditionalist style, known for its structural and technical integrity, has profoundly shaped her artistic vision.
After years of performing and teaching in India, Krishnan moved to the United States, where she continued to showcase her talent across various cities, including Chicago, Dallas, and Seattle. Her encounter with Suchithra Visweswaran in 2013 was a turning point in her career. Under her mentorship, Krishnan delved into innovative pieces within the Mohiniyattam tradition, which she now shares with her students.
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