Tri-vima

Using the vocabulary of Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi and Indian classical music, Tri-vima—which translates to “three dimensions”—explores the facets of the number three and its significance. The dance production uses texts from ancient literary works, scriptures along with original lyrics penned and set to tune, performed live by Singapore musicians. Together, the four acts of the show convey the philosophical and spiritual concepts drawn from the stories of these texts.

The first two acts are based on triangles, both facing up and down, to signify divine male and female energies. The third act explores the third gender, and narrates the story of Amba from the Mahabharata, enhanced with lighting design, vocal narrations. In this story, Amba is rejected by three men for marriage after a fateful turn of events. She blames Bheeshma for her miserable situation and vows to destroy him. However, she learns that she can only seek revenge in her next birth. She is reborn as Shikhandi, a woman, later given a male form by a forest spirit. Burning with the memory of Amba's vow, Shikhandi finally confronts Bheeshma on the tenth day of the Kurukshetra battle. Recognising Shikhandi as female in origin and a reincarnation of Amba, Bheeshma lays down his weapon allowing himself to be slayed. Finally, the fourth act represents the three modes of materialistic life from the Bhagavat Gita and how to overcome those to be liberated.