PITT'S INDIAN NATIONALITY ROOM COMMITTEE TO PRESENT INDIAN DANCE DRAMAS

PITTSBURGH, May 29 -- The University of Pittsburgh's Indian Nationality Room Committee and the University of Pittsburgh Center for the Performing Arts of India will host the dance dramas "Chandalika" and "Ardha Nareeswara" at the Byham Theatre, in downtown Pittsburgh.

"Chandalika" will be performed on Friday, June 12, at 8 p.m. and "Ardha Nareeswara" will be performed on Sunday, June 28, at 7 p.m. Vempati Chinna Satyam, a legendary Kuchipudi maestro, will conduct the programs.

The Kala Niketan Dance Ensemble of Pittsburgh and Kuchipudi Art Academy of India will present the dramas in the Asian Indian classical dance style known as Kuchipudi. Kala Niketan is a non-profit organization established by Kamala Reddy in 1991 with the help of Vempati Chinna Satyam, her teacher. Kala Niketan promotes and popularizes Asian Indian art and culture throughout the United States. It also heightens awareness of and appreciation for Indian dance.

"Chandalika" was written by the Indian writer and Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore in 1933. It is based on the Buddhist legend set in India in the 5th century, about a girl, Prakriti, belonging to the caste called the "untouchables" and a wandering Buddhist monk who belongs to the highest caste.

"Ardha Nareeswara" is a Hindu myth which depicts the merging of the Hindu God Shiva, the power of Dissolution, with His alter ego Shakti, the Principle of Pure Energy.

Tickets are $18, $25, or $50 for "Chandalika." Tickets for "Ardha Nareeswara" can be purchased with "Chandalika" at a discounted price. For more information and ticket sales contact the Benedum Center Box Office at 412-456-6666.

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