Archive · 7 Sep 2026
NCPA Presents Classical Evening Exploring Devotion, Desire and Mortality
The National Centre for the Performing Arts is presenting two classical Indian performances.
The first is a Kuchipudi dance recital called ‘Ode to Amba’.
It celebrates goddesses and divine love through music and movement.
The second is a Kutiyattam theatre production called ‘Yayati – Desire and Life’.
It tells the story of King Yayati, who wants to keep enjoying worldly pleasures.
He even borrows his son’s youth to extend his own life.
The story eventually considers what desire and a meaningful life really mean.
The event is suitable for people aged six and older, but people cannot enter late.
The National Centre for the Performing Arts will present two classical Indian dance productions in one evening.
‘Ode to Amba’ features Dr. Padmavani Mosalikanti’s Shivamohanam and troupe performing Kuchipudi.
The recital praises the divine feminine through works dedicated to Saraswati, Shakti and Padmavathi Devi.
‘Yayati – Desire and Life’ uses Kutiyattam to explore King Yayati’s pursuit of worldly pleasure and extended youth.
The event is recommended for audiences aged six and above, with late entry not permitted.
- Who
- The National Centre for the Performing Arts, Dr. Padmavani Mosalikanti’s Shivamohanam and troupe, and Sooraj Nambiar’s troupe.
- What
- An evening presenting the Kuchipudi recital ‘Ode to Amba’ and the Kutiyattam production ‘Yayati – Desire and Life’.
- Where
- The National Centre for the Performing Arts.
- Why
- To present two classical Indian traditions exploring devotion, desire, worldly pleasure and the human experience.
- Presented by
- National Centre for the Performing Arts
- Performances
- ‘Ode to Amba’ and ‘Yayati – Desire and Life’
- Dance traditions
- Kuchipudi and Kutiyattam
- Kuchipudi lead
- Dr. Padmavani Mosalikanti
- Kutiyattam lead
- Sooraj Nambiar
- Age recommendation
- 6+
- Entry policy
- Late entry is not permitted