Sixty-four years after the passing away of Gandhi, known as Mahatma (a great soul), his inspired movements for non-violence, civil rights, and religious tolerance still finds relevance in this modern age.

In tribute to this great leader, Abhinaya Dance Company of San Jose presents a restaged version of their acclaimed full-length production, Gandhi: The Mahatma (1995). Bharanatyam dancer and chief choreographer, Rasika Kumar will contribute new choreography and staging to the work, based upon Mythili Kumar's original vision.

The title role of Ghandi will be portrayed by master artist: Mythili Kumar, Artistic Director of Abhinaya Dance Company of San Jose.

Performers include the Abhinaya Dance Company of San Jose dancers: Rasika Kumar, Malavika Kumar, Anjana Dasu, Sindhu Natarajan, Anu Ranganathan, and others.

Master musicians will accompany the dancers live, onstage. The musicians are:

Asha Ramesh (vocalist and compser), Malavika Kumar (nattuvangam), N. Narayan (mridangam and kanjira percussion); Shanthi Narayan (violin); Ravi Gutala (tabla), Ashwin Krishnakumar (flute) and Peter Van Gelder (sitar).

Abhinaya Dance Company of San Jose is the leader of Bharatanatyam-style of South Indian dance. Founded in 1980 by Mythili Kumar, the company has become well-known among critics and audiences for the company's adherence to tradition as well as it's innovative collaborations - such as the recent collaboration with San Jose Taiko at World Arts West Ethnic Dance Festival. Through rhythmic movements and stylized gestures, stories form Hindu mythology are retold in classical dance drama format.