“Crucible of Honor”: Indian Dance Theatre with Live Orchestra

Rooted in the classical language of Bharatanatyam (Indian classical dance), this production brings to life the timeless epic of the Ramayana, portraying Rama as divinity in human form, the embodiment of integrity, justice, and heroism. Tested at every turn, Rama remains unwavering in his commitment to righteousness over personal desire. This dance theater production with live music celebrates one of the world’s most enduring tales in conjunction with the CMA exhibition Epic of the Northwest Himalayas: Pahari Paintings from the “‘Shangri’ Ramayana.”

“Crucible of Honor” is produced by Bharatanatyam exponent Sujatha Srinivasan, an award-winning choreographer and artistic director of Shri Kalaa Mandir Dance Company. It features distinguished dancers accompanied by a live Indian musical ensemble.

More About the Featured Performers: 

Sujatha Srinivasan, choreographer

Sujatha Srinivasan is an internationally acclaimed Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, and educator whose work has left a profound imprint on the Indian classical-dance landscape in North America. Since relocating to Ohio in 1993, Sujatha has been a driving force in the propagation of Bharatanatyam as the founder and artistic director of Shri Kalaa Mandir—Center for Indian Performing Arts in Cleveland. Known for her mastery of the graceful Vazhuvoor style, her award-winning choreography seamlessly blends tradition with innovation through composer-centric productions, multimedia presentations, and cross-genre collaborations that showcase her creative range. Her contributions for over three decades have been recognized with prestigious honors, including the 2026 Ohio Arts Council Traditional Arts Apprenticeship grant, the Individual Excellence Award for Choreography and the Ohio Heritage Fellowship from the Ohio Arts Council in 2024, the Cleveland Arts Prize—Martha Joseph Prize in 2022, and the title of Arts Education Champion. She also holds distinguished titles, such as Nrithya Seva Mani, Nritya Ratnakara, and Sambrama Puraskar.

Kaniyal Hariprasad, vocalist

Kaniyal Hariprasad is a Kalakshetra alumnus of three decades and one of the most sought-after dance vocalists in the dance field. His 35-year contribution as a vocalist for Bharatanatyam is deeply respected. Hariprasad’s music has graced prestigious stages and international festivals, showcasing his exceptional artistry as both a soloist and an accompanist. A prolific composer, his collaborations across classical, folk, and contemporary genres, as well as his nuanced vocal contributions, make him an invaluable asset to narrative-driven productions, where his music provides both melodic continuity and emotive depth, as seen in his recent work bringing devotional pieces to life.

The views expressed by performers during this event are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Cleveland Museum of Art.