BY DR. RAMESH A. M. GOWDA
Dr. Chandra Aithal, a multifaceted artist and visionary director, is redefining Indian theater through his innovative work with the Aseema Performing Arts Group in Los Angeles. Established nearly two decades ago, Aseema has become a beacon of cultural exchange, blending traditional Indian art forms with global influences and using Kannada as a medium. The group’s name, Aseema, meaning “without borders,” reflects its mission to present world art without geographical constraints, a concept Dr. Aithal embodies in his work.
Dr. Aithal’s artistic journey is as diverse as his talents. He is a musician, composer, dancer, choreographer, filmmaker, theater artist, and director. His training spans Western modern dance, African dance, and traditional Yakshagana, a classical theater art from Karnataka, India. This eclectic mix has shaped his theatrical presentations, which often merge Indian traditions with contemporary themes, adding layers of complexity to his performances. Whether through classical Indian dance or non-Indian forms, his work consistently reflects the modern-day struggles and triumphs of everyday life.
As a self-taught Hindustani classical musician, Dr. Aithal has also built a reputation as a composer and music director. He has crafted over 20 productions, combining traditional Indian sounds with Western classical and world folk music. His productions range from musical theater and opera to experimental and children’s theater, all infused with his distinctive creative vision. Notable works include his adaptations of classical Greek theater and Shakespeare’s literature, reimagined for Indian contexts. His ability to blend cultural elements creates a rich, multi-layered experience for audiences, encouraging them to think beyond the surface of the performance.
Dr. Aithal’s leadership extends beyond his role as a director. He trains both children and adults in Hindustani music and theater, cultivating the next generation of performers. His dedication to the craft is reflected not only in his artistic work but also in his approach to team-building and production. The meticulous attention he pays to casting, music composition, voice modulation, stagecraft, lighting, costumes, and sound design has made his productions stand out in the Indian diaspora community.
The impact of Dr. Aithal’s work is best illustrated through my experience as a long-time collaborator. I have had the privilege of participating in Dr. Aithal’s productions for over 20 years. Having worked with him on numerous projects, I want to share my thoughts on his latest production, Mahabharata – Nalugidavaru (The Victimized).
A story of Mahabharata that’s generally narrated in colorful ways, when transformed into a theatrical production, requires the creative brilliance of a director to craft a compelling and immersive literary and audio-visual experience.
This play with complex themes—dharma, loyalty, friendship, love, and ethics showcases how these very ideals entrap and victimize its characters. We witness the helplessness of Karna, Bhishma, Gandhari, Draupadi, the Kauravas, and the Pandavas, each bound by fate and duty.
Dr. Aithal attempts to bring out these characters’ roles and presents in the style of an ancient Greek musical play, yet with a unique blend of classical Carnatic ragas and Indian-stylized dance forms. The question one must ask is: Were Shakuni, Gandhari, Draupadi, Karna, Kunti, Amba, Bhishma, and others mere pawns in Krishna’s hands? Or were they victims of circumstance? This play encourages viewers to see the Mahabharata from a different perspective. Dr. Aithal masterfully plants this thought into the minds of his audience. His artistic approach—using dancers to narrate the story and seamlessly transition between scenes is truly impressive.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the play is the portrayal of Karna. Although medieval poet Pampa and the character Karna that he created belong to vastly different eras, separated by thousands of years, the concept of Karna himself emerging as a living character to question poet Pampa about his depiction in his work is marvelous.
Ultimately, the audience’s enjoyment comes from appreciating this brilliant artistic presentation —one that challenges traditional narratives and offers a fresh viewpoint on these legendary figures.
What truly impressed me was the creative vision of Dr. Chandra Aithal. His artistic genius begins with the selection of a unique story—one that has rarely been staged before. From there, he envisions not just a narrative but a theatrical masterpiece, weaving together multiple elements: casting the right actors, selecting singers, crafting lyrics, composing music, choosing the perfect raga to evoke emotions, fine-tuning voice modulation, and meticulously planning stagecraft. Minimal, but extremely effective stage props, effective lighting, makeup, costumes, sound design, and technical execution all come together under his guidance. These features have been his signature marks in all the six major productions todate.
Beyond the artistic elements, an independent production demands months of rehearsals, coordination with diverse personalities, promotional efforts, and ticket sales. It takes an exceptional leader to assemble a dedicated team and bring such a vision to life. His wife, Sujata, and daughter, Jahnavi—an outstanding Western theatrical artist—have played crucial roles in supporting these productions over the years
Producing a play of this magnitude is no small feat. The director must wear countless hats, balancing creativity with logistics. Having worked closely with Dr. Chandra Aithal on about ten drama and music projects over the years, I have grown to deeply admire and appreciate his dedication.I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of his projects and look forward to collaborating with him for years to come.
In this play, Dr. Aithal transforms the ancient Indian epic into a thought-provoking theatrical experience, elevating the timeless tale of dharma, loyalty, and ethics with a fresh perspective on its complex characters. His portrayal of Karna, for example, is a powerful creative twist that allows the character to confront his own literary depiction. Through such reinterpretations, Dr. Aithal invites audiences to rethink the roles of key figures in the Mahabharata, questioning whether they were mere pawns in a divine game or victims of circumstance.
Dr. Aithal’s artistic genius extends to every facet of his productions, from conceptualization to execution. His ability to harmonize creative and logistical challenges is key to his success, and it is no surprise that his wife, Sujata, and daughter, Jahnavi, have played integral roles in supporting the productions. His commitment to excellence is evident in every show he directs, with careful planning and months of rehearsal ensuring that each performance is meticulously crafted.
Now serving as the Artistic Director of Aseema, Dr. Aithal continues to push the boundaries of Indian theater. With a doctorate in engineering from Georgia Tech, Atlanta, he brings a unique blend of artistic creativity and technical expertise to his work. He resides in Los Angeles with his family, where he remains an influential figure in the Indian American arts community, shaping the future of performing arts with every production he helms.
