The open-air auditorium at Bharata Kalanjali, an institute for classical dance and music founded by the veteran Bharatanatyam dancers V.P. Dhananjayan and Shanta Dhananjayan, served as the perfect venue for Play Ball — a one-of-a-kind production by UK-based Bharatanatyam artist, Artistic Director, and Choreographer Nina Rajarani MBE and her Srishti Dance Creations, which is touring India throughout December.

Play Ball premiered in Chennai on Wednesday, 10 December 2025; a triple bill that explored three diverse segments of society — love, sports, and the corporate world.

The three pieces in the production were first conceived between 2006 and 2008. However, Nina tells us that these pieces have evolved over the years to better represent the role of women in a changing society. What is special about the revamped version being presented as part of their India tour is that it features a predominantly female cast.

The anticipation in the audience was palpable as the MC announced the first piece, Kadala, Is it love? It began with Nina’s graceful abhinaya exploring the themes of separation and longing and the meaning of fidelity in a relationship.

What was unique about this production was that it was danced to live music, with the musicians forming an integral part of the choreography on stage. The song Kadala, set to raga Keeravani and tala Adi, perfectly captured the feelings of viraha, or longing for one’s beloved. The intricate melodic nuances and complex rhythmic patterns were skillfully rendered by the renowned Carnatic vocalist Y. Yadavan.

Kadala culminated on a high note with scintillating jatis in Bharatanatyam and Kathak that Nina, Bharatanatyam dancers Kirsten Newell and Greeshma Thilakan, and Kathak dancers Abirami Eswar and Shivani Jatar managed to seamlessly weave together — a feat that is difficult to achieve when working with different dance forms.

The audience was equal parts surprised and intrigued when the performers walked onto the stage in shorts and jerseys, looking ready to play a football match for their next piece, Bend It. An audible gasp filled the auditorium as Y. Yadavan began singing the Kalinga Narthana tillana, composed by Oothukadu Venkata Subbaiyar.

What struck me most was how the dancers effortlessly recreated the excitement and anticipation of a football match on stage — in the format of classical dance! They managed to depict many moments central to a live match, such as the game itself, scoring a goal, cheering, and the tension between players. They even portrayed the action replays in slow motion! It truly felt like we were transported to a football stadium.

The musicians — Preethi Mahenthran on flute and vocals, Abhiram Sahathevan on percussion, and Kartik Raghunathan on electric violin — aptly recreated the celebratory mood of a live football match for the audience.

Play Ball concluded with a piece that was in sync with its title, Quick, as it captured the hustle culture of the fast-paced corporate world.  Nina made an interesting choice by presenting the dancers in corporate suits and it was danced to a composition with a lilting rhythm and complex jathis.

In attendance were Bharatanatyam artist, teacher, and co-founder of Bharata Kalanjali, Smt. Shanta Dhananjayan, and her son Satyajit Dhananjayan, who is an accomplished photographer.

Dr Nikita Ravtani