The surbahar is an ancient Indian instrument developed from the been, one of the oldest stringed instrument of India. Ms. Sankaran was accompanied in her performance by Peter Fagiola on the pakhwaj, a barrel-drum that was the precursor to the tabla. Originally performed only at temples during festivals, the dance form has evolved into a profoundly aesthetic and beautiful blend of grace and vigor, elevation and sensuality, control and abandon. The dancer, Sasikala Penumarthi, is well known in both India and the U.S. for her rare blend of intuition and intellect. She has been touring in India and the West since 1982.
Admission is of course free.