For dancer and choreographer Sandip Soparrkar, portraying Lord Shiva in the play Shiv Shakti: Ek Divya Pranay Katha involves understanding not just the character’s movements but also his philosophy and inner world. His preparation draws on years of performance experience, along with research into the mythology surrounding Shiva.
“As a dancer and choreographer, I have always believed that the body communicates what words sometimes cannot,” he said. “Therefore, my preparation involves understanding not only Shiva’s appearance and movements but also his inner world, his stillness, his intensity and his compassion.”
His research has covered Shiva’s relationships, symbolism and connection with dance. “I have been exploring the stories associated with Shiva, his relationship with Sati and Parvati, his symbolism, his connection with the Tandava, and the philosophical significance of Ardhanarishvara: the inseparable union of Shiva and Shakti,” he said.
He also pays attention to the smallest details of physical expression. “I also pay attention to body language, posture, eye movements, expressions and the quality of silence,” he said.
For him, stillness can communicate as much as a powerful movement. “Shiva does not need to demonstrate his power constantly; sometimes, his stillness itself communicates the greatest strength,” he said.
He does not believe research into such a character can ever be considered complete. “I would say that research for such a character is never truly complete. One can study Shiva throughout one’s life and continue discovering new meanings,” he said. His aim is to approach the role with respect. “My aim is not simply to portray Mahadev, but to approach the role with humility, sincerity and deep respect,” he said.
Music is equally important to the production. “Music is the soul of any theatrical production, and in a story like Shiv Shakti, it becomes almost another character on stage,” he said.
The play features devotional compositions that convey different aspects of the story. “The inclusion of powerful stutis such as Shiv Tandav and Aigiri Nandini, along with Parvati Panchakam and original compositions celebrating the love of Shiva and Shakti, creates an extraordinary emotional landscape for the audience,” he said.
Each piece serves a different purpose. “The Shiv Tandav represents cosmic energy, power and the rhythm of creation and destruction, while Aigiri Nandini celebrates the magnificence and strength of the Divine Mother,” he said. The softer compositions, he added, explore “the tenderness, longing and profound emotional connection between Shiva and Shakti.”
His background in dance makes the relationship between music and movement particularly important to him. “A single beat, a pause or a change in rhythm can completely transform the emotion of a scene,” he said.
Sandip hopes the different elements will come together so naturally that audiences feel immersed in the story. “For me, the real magic happens when music, movement, expression and storytelling come together so seamlessly that the audience stops watching a performance and begins to feel the story. That is the experience we hope to create,” he said.
