Lives of Clay

The Clay Connection

London

Vidya Thirunarayan combines her expertise in Bharata Natyam dance with her skill as a potter in a unique theatrical event.

About Lives of Clay

If clay could talk, what would it say? Stories of women from ancient myth and modern life are brought vividly to life through thrilling classical Indian dance, original music and half a ton of clay. 

Internationally renowned as a Bharata Natyam dancer, Vidya Thirunarayan is also a prominent ceramicist, and in 2015 began combining these skills in performance. Through dancing with clay and throwing pots on stage she found a new way to tell stories rich with drama and emotion.  

Prajapati, Sanskrit for potter, represents both the supreme creator and the lowest of the low; a duality that has inspired this intriguing new work.  

Directed by Tim Supple, choreographed by Debbie Fionn Barr, designed by Julie Belinda Landau, with original text by Vayu Naidu,and score by Barry Ganberg, Lives of Clay is a vivid and vital theatre experience, full of heart and made of mud. 

About The Clay Connection

Vidya Thirunarayan describes her work with dance and pottery under the banner The Clay Connection. Lives of Clay is presented in association with Supple Productions (director Tim Supple).

Creative / Production credits:

Conceived and Performed by Vidya Thirunarayan

Director: Tim Supple

Director of Choreography: Debbie Fionn Barr

Designer: Julie Belinda Landau

Text: Vayu Naidu

Composer: Barry Ganberg

Sound Design: Alan Burgess

Production Manager and Light Design: James Ball

Producer: Lisa Wolfe,

Image credits: Zoe Manders, Peter Chrisp at Brighton 2022

Funding, commissioning and partner credits:

Lives of Clay has been supported by Without Walls and commissioned by Certain Blacks and Brighton Festival.

Lives of Clay is presented in association with Supple Productions, supported by 101 Outdoor Arts and Arts Asia with funding from Arts Council England.

Lives of Clay will be appearing at...