The Frog Princess (2009-19)

In this species and gender blending solo, Princess Mandodari recounts how she was cursed to live as a frog till she met her soul mate. As a frog, she dances and frolics with her fellow water creatures. When the ten-headed demon-king Ravana visits the forest and encounters the frog princess, Mandodari transforms into a beautiful maiden and seduces him. Ravana marries and takes her to his kingdom of Lanka. 

Hari Krishnan’s interpretation plays off the references inherent in the lyrics that refer to animal and human life-forms. Subverting gender stereotypes/archetypes continues to be an important hallmark in both Krishnan’s performance and choreography.

Music/Text/Concept: Guru C. R. Acharyalu

Choreography/Performance: Hari Krishnan

Costume Design: Rex (Rajavairan Rajendran)

Research/Translations: Davesh Soneji

Rehearsal Direction: Patricia Beaman

Premiere: June 21, 2013 at the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, Inside/Out Series (Becket, MA, USA)

The Frog Princess was also performed from June 22-23, 2013, as part of the La MaMa Moves Dance Festival at La Ma Ma’s The Club Theatre (New York City, USA); and as part of a mixed bill program, Undivided Colours from May 24-25, 2019 at Montréal, arts interculturels (Montreal, Canada), from May 29- June 1, 2019 at the Dancemakers Centre for Creation, (Toronto, Canada), on June 3, 2019 at Ottawa Dance Directives and from June 6-7, 2019 at the Scotiabank Dance Centre (Vancouver, Canada)

The Frog Princess was nominated for the 2013 Bessie Award (NYC) under the Outstanding Performance category. A work in progress version was first performed as part of inDANCE’s evening length work, The King’s Salon (2009) in the Festival of South Arts and Literature at the Robert Gill Theatre, University of Toronto.