Scholar Update: Anand Dhanakoti — Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Blog

Jul 21

Jul 21 Scholar Update: Anand Dhanakoti

Anand Dhanakoti is a 2018 scholar who is currently studying dance at the Contemporary School of Dance, Hamburg.

In this week’s post Anand shares a video of his performance Thuli. Choreographed by Anand, it was presented at the dance festival IKARUS. IKONE. The festival was an initiative by theatre company, De LooPERS-dance2gether and presented in collaboration with the Bremen Theatre and Bremen Art Museum, Bremen Germany.

Thuli is a piece inspired by the story of Nangeli, a woman belonging to the Ezhava who defied the oppressive and humiliating laws impressed upon lower caste communities in 19th century Kerala.

In places such as Cherthala, Kerala, women belonging to lower castes were not allowed to cover their upper bodies, especially in the presence of the upper classes. Clothing was considered a sign of wealth and prosperity and the poor and the lower-castes were simply not entitled to it. If lower caste women were found to have covered their upper bodies, a tax was levied on them which was directly proportionate to the size of their breasts. Nangeli in defiance chose not to cover her upper body. When the tax officers came to collect their dues she cut off her own breasts thereby eliminating the root of the problem. This story of an oppressive social structure still holds true today. Women of the 21st century are subject to similar forms of discrimination. Basic safety, objectification, sexual violation, unequal rights are issues that are just as prevalent as they were 200 years ago.

Anand’s choreography aims to celebrate femininity. He juxtaposes a myriad of emotions felt by a woman such as confusion, happiness, shame, excitement, nervousness. He depicts how even in the face of adversity women still feel beautiful, powerful and full of possibilities.

Thuli celebrates the becoming of a woman.

Credits:

Choreography: Anand Dhanakoti (India)

Dancers