artistic
work
Stella approaches Bharatanatyam as an interdisciplinary art form. Her work integrates insights from Montessori education, Tamil and English theatre, Tamil literature, yoga, music, and contemporary dance, encouraging students and audiences alike to explore new intersections of movement and meaning. She has actively collaborated with specialists from various fields, bringing fresh perspectives to her practice. Through ongoing research and artistic exchange, she challenges Bharatanatyam's boundaries while preserving its essence, ensuring that it remains a living and evolving art form. Stella’s artistic work spans live performance and dance films, each reflecting her unique ability to merge storytelling with movement.
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Krishna: knave of hearts
In this 8 minutes film, Stella explores the folk stories surrounding Krishna to foster a deeper connection with an essential aspect of Indian culture that is often overlooked in favor of strictly religious interpretations.
This project is a heartfelt endeavor that emerges from extensive research, passion, and collaboration. Utilizing the expressive forms of Bharatanatyam, storytelling, and music, the film offers a fresh interpretation of Krishna’s journey, seamlessly connecting traditional narratives with contemporary perspectives.
By highlighting his lesser-known human traits, the film aims to challenge existing perceptions and inspire audiences to engage with and appreciate their artistic heritage in innovative and meaningful ways.
Krishna: Knave of Hearts received support from the Arts Council and private sponsors, and as part of this project, she collaborated with filmmaker Roswitha Chesher on Nottuswaram.
Film Credits:
Choreography and Conception: Stella Uppal Subbiah
Original Music Conceptualisation: Vignesh Ishwar
Dramaturgy and Video courtesy: Dr. Sabine Sorgel
Rehearsal Director: Dr. Debbie Fionn Barr
Program title courtesy: Dr. Uttara Natarajan
Film by Roswitha Chesher, Vita Film
Lighting Design: Christopher Gurusamy
Get in touch to collaborate or premiere this film at your venue!
INDAR SABHA
The film Indar Sabha is an 18-minute film which explores Indian classical dance within the framework of heritage performance practice. In Indar Sabha, site-specific choreography has been crafted to reflect the grandeur and historical significance of the narrative. The film integrates dance into architectural and cultural settings that resonate with the era and themes of the original Indar Sabha, bringing its timeless aesthetic and storytelling to life.
As a product of the 19th century, Indar Sabha was deeply influenced by the cultural exchanges and colonial realities of its time. It embodies the syncretic traditions of Indo-Islamic artistic expression, fusing elements of Hindustani classical music, poetry, and dance within a royal court setting. By engaging with both its aesthetic and historical dimensions, Indar Sabha allows audiences to reflect on the layered narratives embedded within its performances. The film invites viewers to navigate these complexities, connecting past and present through the medium of dance and heritage performance.
Her recent work, Imagined India, was featured at the Sezincote Literary Festival and later at The Bhavan as part of Weaving Choreography, which she curated.
Indar Sabha received support from the Arts Council of Great Britain.
Film Credits:
Choreography and Conception: Stella Uppal Subbiah
Original Music Conceptualisation: Vignesh Ishwar
Director of Photography: Kombai S Anwar
Editor: K. Alagiriraja
Filming: Andrew Spicer
Get in touch to collaborate or premiere this film at your venue!
other
productions
Personal Work:
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‘Fluctuating Mind, Oscillating Bodies’ – Kalakshetra, 2018 – In collaboration with Kalakshetra
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‘Weaving Memories’ – Kalakshetra, 2017 – In collaboration with Justin McCarthy
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‘Diaspora and Hope’ - Swansea, May 2018/ Watersmeet Theatre, May 2018/University of Surrey, April 2018 – Performance commissioned by University of Surrey & Arts Council
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‘Uyir in Unarvu’ – Bharati Vidya Bhavan, 2016
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‘Bhole Nath’ - The Robin Howard Theatre, 2007 – Choreography for Sarra Wiccheloe
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‘Triptych of Solos’ - The Royal Opera House, 2006 – Choreography for Seeta Patel
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‘Barnet Golden Jubilee Celebration’ - Barnet, 2002
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Dance Artist in Residence - The Bull, London, 2000-2001
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‘Nritta’ - Arts Council, 1991 - In Collaboration with Vikku Vinayakaram as a foreign artist
As part of Sankalpam:
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‘Meenakshi’ - Clore Studio, Royal Opera House, 2006
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‘Psyche: The Modern Self & Meenakshi’ - Arts Council, 2005
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‘Dance of the Drunken Monk’- Arts Council, South East Arts, 2003
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‘Avatara’- Arts Council, Southern Arts, 2000
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‘Tat’- Arts Council, 1997-1998
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‘Ulaa’- The Point, Swindon Dance, Arts Council, 1996
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Sambhavam – Swindon Dance, Arts Council, 1995.
Stella Subbiah’s journey is an evolving exploration of Bharatanatyam’s potential in the modern world. Whether through performance, pedagogy, or community engagement, she remains committed to preserving the form’s rich heritage while pushing it toward new and meaningful directions. Her work invites students, collaborators, and audiences to experience Bharatanatyam not just as a tradition, but as a dynamic, ever-evolving art form that speaks to contemporary life.