Nagin (snake) is an original Bharatnatyam dance piece, conceived by Neha Sobti. It is a celebration of female sensual power and aims to release the woman from the shame of Original Sin. What Nagin will capture is this ritualistic movement pattern and explore feminine sensuality by representing the female body as a snake.

In a world where a snake charmer controls a snake, directs its every action and exploits it, Nagin will explore engendered power dynamics and examine the difference between innate sensuality and society’s perception of it.

With originally composed live music, Nagin will include the component elements of dance, drama, rhyme and rhythm built on principles laid down in the Natya Shastra by Bharata. We will focus on storytelling without text, by incorporating alternative movement forms complemented by live shadow puppetry.