Matruka: Beyond the Nayika — Bharatanatyam's quiet power in Green Bay

Bharatanatyam has spent centuries telling stories through the nayika — the heroine in her eight classical moods. Matruka: Beyond the Nayika, staged by Nrutyambari at the Green Bay High School Auditorium, moves the lens one generation up: to the mother, the matruka — celebrated through beautiful Marathi compositions performed to live Hindustani music.

For Ambaree Rege, who conceived, choreographed and directed the production, Matruka is personal: her first major dance project after becoming a mother, reflecting her own journey of embracing motherhood while returning to the stage. The compositions she curated portray the many emotions and forms of motherhood — and give the production its name.

This production is especially close to my heart as it is my first major dance project after becoming a mother.

Ambaree Rege, from her invitation to the community

The Nrityaganga lineage

The evening also celebrates the remarkable contribution of Guru Dr. Sucheta Bhide-Chapekar, who has preserved and revived rare Marathi compositions within the Bharatanatyam tradition through her pioneering Nrityaganga style. Rege trained under her guidance, and Matruka is curated in that artistic vision — classical form carrying a distinctly Marathi voice.

Falling on the sacred occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi, the performance closes with Pasayadan — a heartfelt offering to Vithhala Mauli.

A community production in the truest sense

Matruka is supported by Auckland Council's Creative Communities NZ and MIGHT-I, with community sponsors including Meghan Shelke (Arizto), Lending HQ, Tulip Financial, Star Property Management, 3C Homes, MagicMenu and Enkay Entertainments. Dalchini handles interval catering; tickets run through EventSpaces. Grassroots arts in Aotearoa survive on exactly this kind of local backing — a roll-call of businesses showing up for Marathi heritage, live music, devotion, and the timeless spirit of motherhood.