Cape May Stage Presents ‘Kuchipudi’

CAPE MAY – Cape May Stage, South Jersey’s premier equity theatre is thrilled to present Kuchipudi. Created by and starring Neelima Raju, on Oct. 28 this performance will bring a unique dance, music and theatre tradition all the way from Southeast India to Cape May.
In the 13th century AD, a theatrical, musical and dance tradition emerged based on the existing religious, social, political, economic and cultural atmosphere. It was Siddhendra Yogi, in the village of Kuchipudi, who codified these ideas.
Originally an all-male travelling tradition, it has been passed down through an oral tradition between the mentor and the student from generation to generation. As it was passed down, the tradition incorporated many changes and eventually came to be known as Kuchipudi, from the village where it originated. Neelima Raju’s performance explores salient features of this unique tradition, combining traditional repertoire and new choreographies.
Neelima Raju began studying the art of Kuchipudi in 1987 at Kuchipudi Kalakshetra, one of the premier instistutions teaching this craft. In 2001, she received her degree after completing the requirements of the course in Kuchipudi. Since 1994, she has done more than 100 solo performances. Critics have said she brings out “the classicism embedded in every movement and moment of Abhinya in the choreography with aplomb” to the delight of all.
Kuchipudi is part of Cape May Stage’s acclaimed Second Stage Series. This spell-binding performance will take place Monday, Oct. 28 at 7:00 p.m. at the Robert Shackleton Playhouse on the corner of Lafayette and Bank Streets in downtown Cape May. Tickets are $20. Call (609) 770-8311 for information and reservations or visit the theatre’s website at www.capemaystage.org.