Clinton, who is expected to arrive in the city on July 20, will be visiting the famous school of performing arts, Kalakshetra, around 6pm. Three special performances will be staged for Clinton under the Kalakshetra banyan tree. "The Kalakshetra repertory company will perform the traditional ‘Kathakali porappadu’ and two Bharatanatyam group items from the traditional ‘margam’," say sources.

Sources say that four or five destinations were shortlisted before Kalakshetra was chosen. Kalakshetra, founded by Rukmini Devi Arundale in the early 20th century, has produced stalwarts in the field of music and dance. Over the years, it has hosted many dignitaries, including Queen Elizabeth who visited in 1997. "We have stuck to our tradition over the years," says a source. For instance, no one is allowed to enter a performance space with footwear on. "We stuck to that code of conduct during the Queen’s visit and will be following it this time too. Seating arrangements will be made around the banyan tree but no one can keep their footwear on. It’s notjust a matter of cleanliness but also a mark of disrespect to the art form." Tight security will be maintained during the visit and the select guest list includes connoisseurs of arts and culture.

During her visit, Clinton is also expected to visit the cottage that houses the instruments used by legends of Kalakshetra such as Tiger Varadachari, M D Ramanathan and Mysore Vasudevachar. It has pianos used by Rukmini Devi and M S Subbulakshmi. Women’s empowerment also figures high on Clinton’s agenda and she is expected to address a women’s forum in the city. This is the first time that a serving US secretary of state will be visiting Chennai. The city has found a place on Clinton’s itinerary as it has emerged as a hub for trade and investment.


Source: July 19, 2011, TOI