SKN at SFIAF 2025

Imagining Pain; The Menster Saga

SKN is honored to present a Bharatanatyam dance drama “Imagining Pain’ the Menster Saga” exploring a story rarely spoken - the pain and silence surrounding a woman’s cycle. Our production premieres in the Bay Area at the SF International Arts Festival in just TWO days!

View the promo video here.

In this piece, a woman’s lifelong suffering, beginning in her teens, is depicted as she confronts disbelief and self-doubt amidst undiagnosed pain, embodied by the menstrual monster. Through Bharatanatyam and yoga-inspired movements, this dance drama illuminates the unseen struggles of women.

A woman.
A cycle.
A silence that lasts for years…
until it finally breaks on stage.

This performance is raw and honest, told through movement, rhythm, and silence. Featuring SKN students aged 10 to 50. Join us for an evening that breaks silence and brings untold stories to light.

We hope this sparks some conversations that go beyond the stage 🌟

🗓️ Saturday, May 3rd 2-3pm and Sunday, May4th 7-8pm

📍 Theatre of Yugen, San Francisco

Production Premiere in 2024

The production premiered as a solo presentation by Sweta Ravisankar at the Inaugural Women Choreographers of Pacific Northwest Festival in May 2024!

Review in Oregon Arts Watch

“The Menster Saga was one of the more literal works of the evening, deeply rooted in the traditional technique of Bharatanatyam, a classical dance form of India. This work depicts a woman managing the realities of menstruation: the pain, complications, social stigmas, blame, shame, and the pervasive gaslighting that dismisses all menstrual pain as normal, natural, or imaginary.”

Credits

Concept, Choreography, Script Writing: Sweta Ravisankar

Script Editing: Ari Aquilla-Saund and Madhumeeta Sanam

Jathi Composition, Rhythmic Recitation and Nattuvangam (cymbals): Sweta Ravisankar

Mridangam (Double-Sided Drum): Krishna Srikanth

Dancers: Jayashree Seshadri, Neha Patil, Srinika Madhavarapu, Suchi Annasami, Sweta Ravisankar

Creative Inputs: Jayashree Seshadri and Madhumita Jothi

Narrator: Madhumeeta Sanam

Lighting and Sound: Madhumita Jothi and, Theatre of Yugen and SFIAF tech.

Photography: Ram Athreya

Videograpy: Dheenu Neelamegam

Funding Support: Creative West

About SKN

Founded in 2012, Sarada Kala Nilayam (SKN) is a performing arts organization dedicated to inspiring creativity and fostering community. At SKN, dance is more than movement—it is a language of expression, a bridge between tradition and modernity, and a means to build connections. SKN nurtures students who aspire to become serious practitioners of Bharatanatyam and Nattuvangam, encouraging curiosity, collaboration, and artistic growth. The organization also advocates for fair pay for artists and works towards making Bharatanatyam accessible to diverse audiences. With a vision to expand Bharatanatyam’s reach, Sweta and SKN continue to innovate, educate, and inspire the next generation of dancers.