Go beyond the crown and into the shadows of Queen Cleopatra’s spirit. This September, Mohini Dance School takes audiences to the ancient world of Egypt with Woman With No Wings, a bold new production that reimagines the story of Queen Cleopatra.

This gripping play, written and directed by Smitha Krishnan (Nirvana, Ghanashyam), runs at the Cornish Playhouse from 27-29 September 2024. It explores the inner struggles of one of history’s most famous figures and offers a deeply human portrait of Cleopatra.

Featuring over 50 Seattle-area performers and dancers, the piece not only explores Cleopatra’s political prowess, but also foregrounds her profound psychological challenges and highlights the importance of mental health throughout her journey. Tickets are available at mohinidanceschool.org.

“Mental health touches everyone’s life because we or someone we know suffers from a mental disorder,” says writer and director Smitha Krishnan. “Yet mental health issues are the least talked about illnesses, especially in the South Asian community. My own experience was my inspiration for the script.”

The story is brought to life through a stunning blend of English drama and Indian classical and contemporary dance. The production’s choreography, set to music originally composed in five languages, invites audiences to go beyond the traditional image of Cleopatra and into the complex layers of her humanity, as a woman battling inner demons while wielding political power.

“This is not just Cleopatra as you know her,” explains Krishnan. “It is a portrayal of a woman whose problems are similar to those of many people today. Mental health is addressed in this play because it is a story that affects us all, but one that we rarely tell – and one that we need to bring into the spotlight.”

Woman With No Wings uses dance as a medium to visualize the concept of the “shadow,” one of the archetypes of Jungian philosophy, and the parts of us that can bring out the best or worst in us if left unrecognized. The dancers, or shadows, represent Cleopatra’s inner demons as she faces her darkest moments, including self-accusation and overwhelming guilt. This inner struggle culminates in her reclaiming the shadows, a crucial step toward self-actualization, acceptance, and healing.

“Cleopatra’s struggle reflects the universal experience of dealing with mental health, a topic that remains deeply relevant today. By recognizing and accepting her shadows, she is able to take the first step toward true healing and transformation. I hope her journey and mine can be an inspiration to others,” adds Krishnan.

Discussion after the performance, Sunday, September 29

Woman With No Wings is more than just a performance, it serves as a platform for important discussions. Mohini Dance School, in collaboration with Crisis Connections and IACS – Indian American Community Services, will host a post-performance discussion on Sunday, September 29th, immediately following the performance at 2pm. This discussion will explore the play’s exploration of mental health and its relevance in today’s society through the themes of the play and provide a platform for meaningful dialogue.

Bringing Cleopatra’s journey to life

Woman With No Wings features original music that reflects Cleopatra’s journey. Pacific Northwest singer and composer Gokul Kolady created original music for the production that is both powerful and thoughtful. “My main goal with the composition Today You Lose was to reflect Cleopatra’s triumph over her emotional turmoil,” says Kolady. “The centerpiece of the song is a chord progression on the piano that conveys the bittersweet essence of Cleopatra’s inner growth. The song ends with a modulation to a higher key, culminating in an uplifting energy shift that represents Cleopatra recognizing and overcoming her inner demons. As a young artist, I believe it is important to explore these themes through art as they are often overlooked in daily life.” The show’s original music, including Today You Lose, is available to stream on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube.

Truc Dever, dancer, singer and “voice of Cleopatra,” says, “Woman With No Wings depicts Cleopatra’s struggle with the demons in her head, a challenge that one in three Americans can relate to. I was drawn to this story and the friendship between Cleopatra and Charmaine because it reminds us all that people with mental health issues need the support of family, friends and their community to overcome these struggles and not suffer in silence.”

Mohini Dance School looks forward to welcoming audiences to this unforgettable production and the conversations that will surely be a part of Woman With No Wings.

About Smitha Krishnan:

Smitha Krishnan is the founder and artistic director of Mohini Dance School, the first school in the Northwest to offer a dedicated curriculum in Mohiniyattam, the classical dance form from Kerala, India. A visionary storyteller, she goes beyond mere dance to weave complex narratives that delve deep into the human psyche. Trained by the legendary guru Kala Vijayan, Smitha has a deep-rooted connection to this traditional art form. Since moving to the U.S., she has been a trailblazer, presenting unique performances that combine classical dance with contemporary storytelling. Smitha’s innovative works, including Nirvana – Revisioning the Mythical Medusa, have been acclaimed for their fresh perspectives and cultural fusion. Her latest production, Woman With No Wings, promises to captivate audiences with its powerful narrative and artistic depth.

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