Sakhi Ri: A confluence of classical dance and menstrual awareness

Sakhi Ri, a Kathak-based dance drama production on the subject of menstruation, was recently staged in Bengaluru

Indian classical dance sees a variety of relationships between the nayika, the female lead and her sakhi, the often overlooked friend and confidante. Their friendship, characterised by tenderness, pain, conflict and compromise, is not easy to define. Presented by SIFF Young Artiste, Kathak-based dance-drama Sakhi Ri explores this dynamic through a coming-of-age story of a Nayika and the Sakhi, her period. SIFF Young Artiste is an initiative of the Singhal Iyer Family Foundation (SIFF)

“Life is not always going to be smooth, but what stands true is that they (the Sakhi) are going to be a constant presence,” says Anushka Chandak, a Kathak dancer, choreographer and faculty at SIFF Young Artiste. “That got me thinking about what else in my life I’m grateful for, but also have complaints about. That was the menstrual cycle for me.” 

Draped in red, personifying a woman’s period or the Laal Sakhi, Anushka performed recently at Bangalore International Centre , alongside Radhika Karandikar, a Kathak artiste and the founder of Radha Productions. Her evocative expressions coupled with Anushka’s fluid movements had the audience spellbound.

Throughout her career, Radhika has always aimed to create productions which would interest younger generations. She argues that the claims of the art form’s decrease in popularity, which many mourn as its “death,” are not entirely true. There is simply a lack of “relatable concepts.”  

“People are very hesitant to explore themes like these. The traditionalist circle had a lot of concerns about how this would fit into a classical dance form,” admits Anushka. However, the artistes believe Kathak can be used as a medium to tell any story.

“Dance is not just about movement; it’s a language. Once you have learnt to use it well, you can say absolutely anything you want with it,” adds Anushka. 

Sakhi Ri is a rollercoaster of emotions that illustrates the stages of this “unending friendship,” including happiness, worry, embarrassment, grief, curiosity and anger. The drama’s focus on womanhood did not restrict its audience and the artistes were pleased to see several men in attendance.