Silappadikaram of the Sangam literature is a treasure trove. It portrays the famous and remarkable story of Kovalan and Kannagi. A unique character of the epic is Madhavi, a court dancer. Her presence is pivotal to
the main story.

Swarnamalya was inspired by the glamorous personality, exceptional talent as dancer, intelligence as part of the characterisation of Madhavi. What was her life like ? What happened to her ? How different and similar were Kannagi and Madhavi?

So many questions?

Her inspiration to know more about Madhavi put Swarnamalya through the study and research of Silappadikaram for a whole year under the able guidance of a great Tamil scholar and Professor Dr.S. Raghuraman. Thus was born the idea to bring the character of Madhavi alive on stage.

Swarnamalya was motivated to produce a dance drama which would depict
The authenticity of the period as visualised by the great Poet Elango Adigal.

Though a court dancer, Madhavi chose to lead her life with Kovalan. She excelled in music, dance and acquired exceptiona1 knowledge on Nattiya Noolgal. She was conferred the most coveted title of Thalaikol.

Starting her life as a court dancer, Madhavi went on to lead her life as inseparable life partner of Kovalan and as mother to her dear daughter Manimegalai. On hearing the tragic death of Kovalan, who had left her, she renounced everything and embraced Buddhism. Her daughter Manimegalai also joined the Buddhist order.

She was truly a Pudumai Penn ! The letter written by Madhavi to Kovalan acclaimed as the first love letter in Tamil literature has an everlasting charm. She lived with Kovalan for 13 years and she was endowed with beauty nobility and grace. The experience gained by her in life made her idealise:

"Pirandar uruvathu perugiya thunbam
Piravar uruvathu perumber inbam"

- Those who are mortal are destined to suffer The immortal achieve the greatest bliss.

Golden words indeed! Ranga Mandira is a registered Trust founded for the
purpose of encouraging and aiding study and research works in dance and music and promoting all kinds of performing arts.

This dance production based on our ancient Tamil literature Silappadikaram is the maiden project of Ranga Mandira.

Nammai marandarai Nam marakka mattom in the format of
a dance drama combines dance poetry and theatre.

Swarnamalya plays the lead role Madhavi and is also in charge of choreography. Besides the character of Madhavi, the production will portray a Sutradhari and a few other dancers.

The character of Kovalan will be made conspicuous by his absence rather than his presence on the stage as he will be realised through the character of Madhavi ! A spectacular virtual reality will lend authentic backdrop to the production transporting the viewers to the period of the epic itself.

The author has described the 11 types of dances performed by the heroine Madhavi. The highlight of this dance production is the presentation of some
of the dance numbers performed by Madhavi which includes a Pedi Adal !