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Ī��ṣaṇa (ईक्षण) ("Caregiving")

We are who we are because someone took care of us". This sentiment is the inspiration for Ī��ṣaṇa ("Caregiving") - a series of recitals planned for Fall 2025. The word Ī��ṣaṇa (ईक्षण) means "sight" or "vision", and "caring", highlighting the close connection between observing a need and taking care of someone with that need.

PROGRAM

Ganesha Pancharatnam: We begin by offering invocations to the elephant-headed god Ganesha. Ganesha holds a modaka in his hands and bears the crescent moon as his ornament.

Raagam (melody): Raagamalika

Taalam (rhythm): Chathrusra Eka

            Composer: Sri Adi Shankaracharya

Flute Partita in A Minor, BWV 1013: III. Sarabande: Through flute and Bharatanatyam, we depict taking care of the nature around us. We show that taking care of all begins with taking care of one.

Flute Partita in A Minor, BWV 1013: IV. Bourrée anglaise: Through flute and Bharatanatyam, we show play, and the connection, freedom, and care that are critical for play.

Jatiswaram: Continuing the theme of play, we present the Jatiswaram. Intricate sequences of movements (known as “Jatis”) are combined with repetitive musical notes (known as “swaras” in Carnatic music) to create a jatiswaram.  

Ragam (melody): Ragamalika

Talam (rhythm):  Mishra Chapu 

Flute Partita in A Minor, BWV 1013: I. Allemande: Through flute and Bharatanatyam, we show taking care of the art form. Both Zara and Sloka have decades of experience in music and dance, and we will show the journey of an artist as she moves from student to practitioner to teacher. We show that the journey of an artist is eternal, and give thanks to the many people who have nurtured our art.

Ardhanareshwara Slokam: This piece presents Lord Shiva and His consort Goddess Parvati (also known as Meenakshi) as equal and inseparable - she with beautifully braided hair, and He with matted locks. Together, they provide balance and care to the universe.

Ragam: Ragamalika

Talam: Aadi 

Poet: Adishankaracharya

Flute Set by Adolphus Hailstork: Zara and Sloka end the show by thanking our ancestors, our teachers, our peers, contemporaries, and the audience.

ABOUT THE PERFORMER (SLOKA IYENGAR, PHD)

Sloka (pronounced “Shloka”) is a neuroscientist and practitioner of Bharatanatyam, passionate about relieving suffering through the sciences and the arts. Her dance practice manifests in three main ways: Continuing to learn Bharatanatyam and music from her gurus; creating works on the convergence of the sciences and the arts; and creating the foundation to use Bharatanatyam for creative aging. 

Contact Sloka at:

ABOUT THE COLLABORATORS

·         ​�ċZara Lawler: Ground-breaking flutist Zara Lawler, “an engaging, fluent, mellifluous soloist” (Houston Chronicle), made her concerto debut with the Houston Symphony and her recital debut at New York’s Merkin Concert Hall. Highlights include the US premiere of Il Cerchio Tagliato dei Suoni, Salvatore Sciarrino’s work for 104 flutists, directed by Lawler at the Guggenheim Museum, a Flute Jamboree directed by Lawler at the Kennedy Center, and tours of Texas, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Ohio with her flute and marimba duo Lawler + Fadoul.

·         Libby Lussenhop: Libby is a sound designer and audio maker based in New York City. She specializes in narrative documentary podcasts and audio drama/fiction. Libby’s work is rich, melodic, and creative. Libby and Sloka have worked together to document Sloka’s work through creative videos and breathtaking photos.

·         Kylie Madhav: Kylie holds an MBA from the Yale School of Management, as well as an MSW and BA in Linguistics and Law & Society from New York University. She is fluent in French, English, Spanish, and Haitian Kreyòl and enjoys delving into the extensive literary canon of her fifth language: Tamil. Kylie and Sloka have worked together to narrate Bharatanatyam to Spanish-speaking audiences.

GRATITUDE

·         ​Sloka’s gurus: Smt. Maheswari Nagarajan, Smt. Vanitha Jayan, Sri Nagarajan of Nritya Kala Kendra, Ahmedabad 

·         Music: Sri. Jayan Nair (vocal), Krishna Nair (nattuvangam), Manav Nair (mridangam), Sri. Rajendran Nair (bansuri)

·         Aaron Davis Hall: Gregory Shanck, Piero Ramos, Yvette Spellman, Jessica Lino, Zane Cameron, Ryan Mahany

īkṣaṇa (“caregiving”) is made possible in part with funds from Creative Engagement, a regrant program supported by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) in partnership with the City Council and administered by LMCC.