Kalakshetra is a school for those who want to excel in their artistic abilities and study various intricacies in a structured manner. Aysha Rau formed little Theatre group, in May 1991, to promote theatre for children and tap their creative potential.
About Kalakshetra in Chennai :
Smt Rukmini Devi Arundale founded this cultural institution of international repute in 1936 as a cultural academy for the preservation of traditional values in Indian art, especially in the field of dance and music. Performances of the classical arts can be seen here throughout the year.The children are taken for educative excursions. The key word in Little Theatre is ‘to have fun’. It has a membership of around 70 children between the ages of 5 and 14. The children, besides being in the workshop, also get to participate in their annual pantomime.
Infrastructure :
Facilities:
Kalakshetra is a haven within the city of Chennai and spread over a hundred acres of natural beauty beside the sea. Set amongst the trees, guest and student accommodations are airy and close to nature yet equipped with modern facilities. Students are encouraged to stay on campus throughout their study and live the peaceful, holistic way of life necessary to practice the traditional arts to their full expression. Guests are welcome to visit the college.
Sankara Menon Library:
The Sankara Menon Library, located next to the banyan tree, the hub of the college, is for students, researchers and staff. The library contains over 10,000 books covering subjects such as dance, music, painting, literatur.
Overview :
Classical music, dance and fine arts. It was established in 1936 by Rukmini Devi and her husband George Arundale. The faculty of the school has some of the most renowned dancers and musicians. A vital feature of the institution is that students are trained amidst serene nature. The campus is spread over an area of 100 acres and the principle of Gurukul system is followed here. The school teaches 70 children between the ages of 5 and 14.
The major focus of the school is Bharatnatyam, visual arts, instrumental and Carnatic vocal music, traditional crafts, textile design, textual heritage, history and philosophy. The school productions are globally recognized for their extensive research and impeccable technique.
Stages at Kalakshetra :
Rukmini Devi had the vision that dance should create the temple atmosphere on stage and her vision gets reflected at Bharata Kalakshetra Auditorium, which has been constructed in the conventional style of koothambalam. There is also an open air theater known as Rukmini Arangam at Kalakshetra. In addition to these, performances are also held under the banyan tree. Tagore theater at Kalakshetra is a smaller hall that can accommodate 200 people.
History of Kalakshetra :
Rukmini Devi along with her husband George Arundale and other associates of the Theosophical Society in Chennai set up Kalakshetra as their commitment towards Theosophy. Pandit S. Subramania, who was a member of foundation and a scholar in Sanskrit, had suggested the name “Kalakshetra”. Initially, Kalakshetra was based in the campus of the Theosophical Society. Kalakshetra was the first danceinstitute, which has established a theory based syllabus for the dancers.
Rukmini Devi used to take dance classes and she also conducted a special dance to teach ballet exercises. In 1951, Rukmini Devi got a land at Thiruvanmiyur, which is the present campus of Kalakshetra. A sapling of Theosophical Society’s great banyan tree was planted at the new campus. The foundation was shifted in the new campus during the period of 1960s.
Visiting Kalakshetra :
Kalakshetra is located on the southern part of Chennai city. The tourists to Chennai can visit the campus, craft center and the museum. The tourists can avail bus service from Chennai to Thiruvanmiyur to reach Kalakshetra. Thiruvanmiyur is about 12 kilometers from Chennai. Call taxis are also available.