Go Brahma Productions is presenting a spectacular dance production with 40+ performers called “Paschimavahini Krishna” on July 30th 2025 at Chowdiah Memorial Hall.
What was initially meant to be a multi-language musical slowly evolved into a deeply Kannada-centric production — because that is where Bhushan found his truest expression. Line after line of original poetry began flowing from him, capturing the essence of the land, its people, and the sacred story we sought to tell.
The result: a rich musical score with layers of Kannada poetry, woven with Sanskrit chants, Tamil hymns, and rhythmic jatis that anchor the performance in classical dance traditions. Bhushan’s contribution doesn’t just complement the narrative — it defines its emotional and spiritual resonance.
The show brings the Stala Purana — the sacred origin story of the Krishna temple — to life through evocative dance and specially composed music. One particularly moving scene captures the protagonist, Kodugu Sreenivasa, waking from a deep slumber, bewildered and stirred by what he’s just experienced. Was it a dream? Did the tree speak? Did he truly receive a divine message?
The music in this moment is deeply reflective, echoing his inner turmoil and awe — a celestial calling he cannot quite explain. The choreography mirrors his confusion, his surrender, and the quiet reverence that follows. The audience is drawn into his journey, feeling the tension and release right alongside him. This is just one example of how seamlessly music, movement, and storytelling blend in Paschimavahini Krishna. The show is filled with such unforgettable moments that awaken both emotion and introspection.
The real challenge in this journey hasn’t just been putting together a high-quality production—it’s been finding the right product-market fit for a show of this nature. In the world of South Indian classical dance and music, ticketed performances are still rare, with most events driven by patrons and donations. Communicating the value of this production and identifying the right audience and sponsors who resonate with its vision has been an ongoing and evolving effort for the enabling team.
From a production standpoint, assembling a cast of professional dancers suited to this format posed its own challenges. Many Bharatanatyam schools continue to remain within traditional circles, often performing only at their own festivals or platforms. Additionally, major events like NMACC’s India Week in New York have drawn many professional dancers from Bangalore, creating a temporary talent vacuum.
GoBrahma Productions has consciously chosen not to have full-time artists on its rolls. While this crowd-sourcing model initially brought its own set of challenges, we are proud to have attracted outstanding talent for this show.
Both the producer and director bring deep experience—not only as performers and teachers but also as organisation builders who have managed teams, bootstrapped funding, and scaled ideas into execution. We knew a production of this scale would come with hurdles. But it’s always been about solving problems with minimal friction and maximum impact.
As theatre veteran Prakash Belawadi aptly put it in a conversation with Roopa Doraswamy, Founder, GoBrahma Productions, “There’s no need to categorise and create barriers—it is just pure art.”
To enhance the storytelling experience, we are incorporating AI-generated video sequences to depict parts of the narrative that are not presented live on stage. Additionally, the use of motorized aerial elements—uncommon in traditional classical productions—brings an added “wow” factor, blending innovation with artistry to create a truly immersive experience.
At the debut show, several members of the audience spontaneously rose—not just to applaud, but to offer a full prostration to the performers, who in that moment had truly become the divine beings they embodied.
Some will walk away feeling as if they were touched by a higher presence; others may feel they briefly visited the very abode of the Lord. It is an experience that is at once humbling, elevating, and unforgettable. The team hopes to take Paschimavahini Krishna to other parts of India and the world and are in talks currently with folks in Dubai and Montreal.
Read the full story that first appeared in Our Bangalore dated July 19-25, 2025 here:
Leave a Reply