We hope you will be able to join us on Saturday, April 26 for YASHODHARA. Co-presented by Natya and the Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple, this beautiful show tells the story of Yashodhara, the abandoned wife of the Buddha. Based on the poem series by Mythili Sharan Gupt, with script, music and direction by Gowri Ramnarayan. Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple, 1145 W. Sullivan Rd., Aurora, IL 60506.

To reserve: (630) 844-2552.

Chicago-based Natya Dance Theatre was founded in 1975. Under the artistic leadership of acclaimed dancer, choreographer, and dance educator, Hema Rajagopalan, it has been hailed by The New York Times as, “Admirably precise… animated… sensual… exceptional… triumphant… daring.” Natya accomplishes its mission to use its art to build cultural bridges and promote universal human values by means of multi-faceted programming, including a professional touring company that performs throughout the country and internationally, a dance school, an outreach program, and a presenting series featuring the finest Indian performing artists of various genres. Natya’s contemporary interpretations incorporate dynamic body movement, rhythmic footwork, hand gestures and facial expressions to convey meaning and emotion that create rasa, the aesthetic experience that transforms the audience. Performing a diverse repertory of works rooted in Bharata Natyam, a dance theater form of India, the Natya Company has performed at prestigious venues like the Harris Theater for Music and Dance and The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago, performed with cellist Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble in Chicago’s Millennium Park, and appeared at the prestigious World Music Institute in New York City. Collaborations have included works with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Ravinia Festival, Lookingglass Theatre Company, the Chicago Children’s Choir, Hedwig Dances, Mordine and Company Dance Theater, and Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater. Natya is a recipient of the prestigious Chicago Dance Award and will celebrate its Fortieth Anniversary Season in 2014-2015.