“Crucible of Honor”: Indian Dance Theatre with Live Orchestra

Rooted in the classical language of Bharatanatyam (Indian classical dance), this production brings to life the timeless epic of the Ramayana, portraying Rama as divinity in human form, the embodiment of integrity, justice, and heroism. Tested at every turn, Rama remains unwavering in his commitment to righteousness over personal desire.

This dance theater production with live music celebrates one of the world’s most enduring tales in conjunction with the CMA exhibition Epic of the Northwest Himalayas: Pahari Paintings from the “‘Shangri’ Ramayana.”

“Crucible of Honor” is produced by Bharatanatyam exponent Sujatha Srinivasan, an award-winning choreographer and artistic director of Shri Kalaa Mandir Dance Company. It features distinguished dancers accompanied by a live Indian musical ensemble.

🎤 Featured Performers:

• Sujatha Srinivasan, Choreographer
  An internationally acclaimed Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, and educator, Sujatha has been a driving force in the propagation of Bharatanatyam in North America since relocating to Ohio in 1993. She is the founder and artistic director of Shri Kalaa Mandir—Center for Indian Performing Arts in Cleveland. Her award-winning choreography blends tradition with innovation through composer-centric productions, multimedia presentations, and cross-genre collaborations. Her contributions have been recognized with prestigious honors including the Ohio Arts Council Traditional Arts Apprenticeship grant (2026) and the Cleveland Arts Prize—Martha Joseph Prize (2022).

• Kaniyal Hariprasad, Vocalist
  A Kalakshetra alumnus with over 35 years of experience, Hariprasad is among the most sought-after dance vocalists in the field. His music has graced prestigious stages and international festivals, showcasing his artistry as both a soloist and an accompanist. A prolific composer, his nuanced vocal contributions enrich narrative-driven productions, providing both melodic continuity and emotive depth.