Vision-Aid Unveils Madurai R. Muralidaran’s Broadway-Style Epic “Brothers in Arms: The Lions of Sivaganga” on July 26 in Andover

A cultural revival of one of India’s greatest untold stories — from a remorseful British Colonel’s eyes — told through Kathak, Bharatanatyam, and high-energy folk dance.

Vision-Aid will stage its much-anticipated 2026 annual event, “Brothers in Arms: The Lions of Sivaganga,” on Sunday, July 26, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Collins Center for the Performing Arts in Andover, Massachusetts. The Broadway-style dance production is the U.S. premiere of acclaimed choreographer Kalaimamani Madurai R. Muralidaran’s newest creation, “Marudhiruvar,” and continues a sold-out community tradition that has anchored New England’s summer calendar for 18 consecutive years. Early-bird ticketing and sponsorships are open now at www.VisionAid.org/event.

Told through the eyes of a remorseful British Colonel, the production transports audiences to late-1700s India and the saga of the Marudhu Brothers — Periya Marudhu and Chinna Marudhu, the legendary “Lions of Sivaganga” — and Queen Velu Nachiar, who trained the first women’s army on the subcontinent and fought with unshakable honor against colonial rule decades before the celebrated First War of Indian Independence. From the sweeping grace of Kathak to the rhythmic precision of Bharatanatyam and the raw energy of folk dance, the show is, in the words of an Indian art ctitic “more than a historical retelling — a cultural revival.”

Vision-Aid’s annual signature productions have become a New England tradition of their own, with hundreds of attendees filling each show year after year and over 1,000 supporters drawing the curtain at last year’s landmark “Shakuntala — The Legend of the Lost Ring.” The 2026 production builds on that momentum with an even more ambitious staging, expanded ensemble, and original score. All proceeds benefit the visually impaired served by Vision-Aid.

The 2026 production reunites Vision-Aid with Kalaimamani Madurai R. Muralidaran, the celebrated choreographer, composer, and musician from Chennai whose more than 300 compositions and prior Vision-Aid works include “The Iconic Avatar,” “Invincible Spear,” “Jewel of Justice,” “The Dancer’s Pledge,” and last year’s landmark “Shakuntala — The Legend of the Lost Ring,” which was performed with an original score by the Budapest Orchestra. Boston-area Artistic Directors Jeyanthi Ghatraju (Founding Artistic Director, Vision-Aid Productions) and Sripriya Natarajan Moorthy (Director, Abhinaya Natyashala) lead the New England troupe.

The ensemble brings together more than 50 senior dancers, dance teachers, and young performers from across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and beyond, with the full cast list to be announced shortly. English narration and supertitles make the show accessible and enjoyable to audiences of every background, and a virtual viewing option will allow supporters worldwide to share in the evening.

Artistic Directors: Jeyanthi Ghatraju and Sripriya Natarajan Moorthy.

Senior Dance Teachers: Moumita Banerjee and Kalaimangai Anbalgan.

Dance Mentors: Anusha Yedla, Chitanya Gopu, Manuel Jenkin Jerome, Nandita Srayoshi, Priyanka Joshi, Roopa Modha, Shilpa Narayanan, and Thivya Sivarajah.

Early-bird ticketing is open. Reserve seats at the lowest price of the season at www.VisionAid.org/event, where you can also choose a virtual viewing option to attend from anywhere in the world.

Sponsorships are open. Vision-Aid welcomes individual, family, and corporate sponsors at every level. Sponsors are recognized in the printed show program, on the venue screens at the Collins Center, on stage on July 26, and across Vision-Aid’s website, newsletter, and social channels in the months leading up to the event. Early sponsors receive the most extensive recognition window. Email tickets@visionaid.org or visit www.VisionAid.org/event for sponsorship details.

Adding extra incentive for supporters: any gift of Smart Assistive Technology will be doubled by a generous matching grant — turning every contribution into AI smart vision glasses, smartphones, tablets, and tactile Braille books for visually impaired youth across India.