Francisco Valiente, bharatanatyam dancer posing before going out to stage for the kalakshetra foundation drama, Usha Parinayam.

Usha Parinayam

Kalakshetra drama, choreographed by Rukmini Devi Arundale

Performed during the 71st December Festival of Kalakshetra Foundation, Chennai, at Bharata Kalakshetra Auditorium. Taking the role of guard of King Banasura, father of Usha. This story revolves around the love story of Usha, the daughter of the demon King Banasura, and Aniruddha, the grandson of Krishna. Usha, having dreamt of a handsome young man, is helped by her friend Chitralekha to identify him as Aniruddha. Chitralekha, through her magical abilities, helps Usha and Aniruddha unite. The story also includes Banasura’s penance to Lord Shiva, granting him a boon that Shiva would protect his city.

Drama is a fundamental part of Bharatanatyam; it is not just about dance but also about acting and theatrical expression. Through performance, the dancer brings characters and stories to life, conveying deep emotions and narratives beyond movement alone.

This drama and other performances for the 71st December Festival of Kalakshetra Foundation it is mention on Sruti magazine, Indian premiere magazine for performing arts.