Devi Dance Theater retells an amazingly inspiring narrative that
occurred in 1970’s India known as the ‘Chipko’ Movement.
Unarmed women, who were at the bottom of social ladder
courageously wrapped their arms around the trees and
successfully defied the loggers.

This story inspired a ripple effect of ecological resistance
nationally and globally. The axe wielding intruders had to back
off in the face of soul power of these women. This parable of
spiritual reasoning and power known as ‘Chipko Andolan’ is
retold as a homage to the unsung heroines of our time and a
hope for a green planet. It echos the Gandhian principle of
‘Satyagraha’ (soul force) and ‘Ahimsa’ (non-violence).

This project highlights the silent beauty of trees that are a
source of life giving oxygen, soil conservation, shade and
peace. The lyricism of Kuchipudi classical dance manifest the
poetic verses of the Vedas as well as a modern poetry. The
veneration of trees in India is customary as people go to
worship (offer ‘puja’ and tie around the trunk of the tree ‘rakhi’ -
thread of friendship). This beautiful communion of man and
nature is however being challenged by the commercial needs
and greed of the few.

Funded in part by the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County.