Bhūmi: Upcoming production by Indian classical dance company raises climate crisis awareness

Art, music and dance have always had the remarkable ability to transcend language barriers, evoke emotions and ignite meaningful conversations. 

Through artistic expression, we have the opportunity to challenge societal norms, raise awareness and inspire collective action – which is what the  Sarvavidya Dance Ensemble (SDE) is aiming to do with its latest production, titled Bhūmi (pronounced “bhoo-mee”), at the Joburg Theatre from 23-25 June 2023.

SDE is the professional wing of Sarvavidya Natyaalaya – a community dance school that was founded in and is still currently based in Lenasia, Johannesburg, that teaches the Indian classical style of Bharatanatyam. 

Under the stewardship of its founding teachers – Anusha Pillay, Reshma Chhiba and Panna Dullabh – the dance school and professional company have an impressive repertoire, with past performances focusing on Hindu mythology as well as social issues such as gender-based violence. 

Their latest production, Bhūmi, a Sanskrit word for “Earth”, hopes to harness the expressive power of Bharatanatyam to raise awareness about the urgent effects of the climate crisis. The dance unfolds a story centred around a sentient tree that both observes and falls victim to humanity’s destructive behaviour and pleads for compassion and a renewal of human empathy with each other and our environment. 

The tree laments:

“Human, before you swing that axe, know that my plea is not for self-preservation, but for a deeper understanding – a plea for you to recognise the interconnectedness of all things, the sacredness of life in all its forms. For in that understanding lies the hope for a future where trees, humans and all living beings coexist in harmony, where the echoes of our intertwined existence resound through the ages. Chop me down. I will regenerate. You may not.”