The inaugural Natya Samaagam, envisioned around the belief that “art rises when artists rise together,” came to life on March 13, 14, and 15 at Boston’s Plaza Black Box Theater, drawing an outpouring of appreciation from performers, rasikas, and the wider arts community.
Conceived by Bharatanatyam artist Suman Adisesh of Spandha School of Dance and Creative Arts (Acton) and curated by Suman and Sangeetha Prasanna of Natyarasika School of Dance (Acton), the festival introduced a forward-thinking model for classical dance presentation.
Natya Samaagam was created as a space where artists could explore unconventional ideas, take creative risks, and present original work—free from the logistical pressures that often accompany independent productions. A defining feature of the festival is its commitment to sustainability. In a meaningful shift within the classical arts landscape, participating artists were offered an opportunity to recoup part of their financial investment.
Featuring ten performers over three days and drawing more than 600 attendees, the festival’s intimate setting attracted connoisseurs seeking a close, immersive engagement with the art form. Experiencing dance at such proximity reminded many of an earlier era, when the arts felt deeply personal and profoundly connected to the audience.
Featured Artists and their Works were:
Carving the Breath of Stone ➔ Pallavi Nagesha
Navikrita-Renewed Purpose ➔ By Arya Shekar, Aasish Cherukupalli, Dr Sharanya Kumaraswamy
Kavya Nritya ➔ Noopur Nritya Academy ( Artists- Vyju Iyengar, Noopur Iyengar and Surabhi Iyengar)
Anvesha ➔ Thillai Fine Arts Academy, Newton, MA ( Artists- Director Sunanda Narayanan, students- Sharanya Baradwaj, Mahika Sathnur, Divya Rajan, Krithika Tupil, Akshara Shankar, Laiya Pavlov
Chitta Vritti➔ By Anugraha Raman
Aagamam ➔ By Janani Swamy and Asha Nadipuram
Defining Dance ➔ By Nandita Srayoshi
Kalapani Crossings ➔ Natya Dance collective (Smitha Radhakrishnan , Usha
Narayana, Gowri Vijayakumar, Aditi Subramaniam, Kavya Prasad, Havisha Honwad)
Manasija ➔ Manasa Jayanthi
Sthiti Gati ➔ Revati Masilamani
Throughout the weekend, artists presented both original creations and inherited repertoire, each shaped by personal journeys, rigorous training, and a shared willingness to push creative boundaries. “Each of them gave their best. Witnessing their stories, their journeys, and their hard work was deeply inspiring,” the organizers shared. The festival also showcased a wide spectrum of Bharatanatyam banis, offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience multiple stylistic traditions in a single venue—an experience many described as refreshing and invigorating.
Buoyed by the success of its first edition, the organizers expressed optimism about the festival’s future. “By divine grace and with the continued support of the arts community, we hope to carry this vision forward,” they noted.
Natya Samaagam has announced its next edition, scheduled for June 12, 13, and 14. Updates and announcements will be available on Instagram at @Natya.Samaagam.
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