Nitya Nritya FoundationUpatti – Coming to be

Nitya Nritya Foundation
presents
Upatti – Coming to be
November 7th, 2026 at 7pm
Regent Street Black Box
Salt Lake City, UT 84101

On sale: 10/2/26 at 10am

Nitya Nritya Dance Ensemble examines a gendered history of the feminine divine in South Asia through Bharatanatyam.

Upatti – Coming to Be

Across the ancient world, civilizations worshipped female deities, often independently of one another. These Goddesses represented fertility, nourishment, creation, and protection—forces essential to human survival. They were seen as both loving mothers and fierce protectors.

Over time, as societies changed and became increasingly patriarchal, male Gods gained greater importance. Yet Goddess worship continued, especially in South Asia, where it remained deeply connected to agricultural communities and everyday life.

As society evolved, so did the roles and meanings of Goddesses. They were continually reimagined to reflect changing social values, beliefs, and human needs.

Why has Goddess worship survived for thousands of years? What has it offered humanity?

The ancient Shakta tradition, which worships the divine feminine, offers more than religious beliefs. Through stories, symbols, and powerful images drawn from nature, it explores the human mind, its emotions, strengths, fears, and weaknesses.

Today, Goddess worship continues to exist within a society that remains largely patriarchal. This raises important questions:

What does the divine feminine represent today? How does Goddess worship find its place within religious traditions largely shaped by masculine ideas of divinity?

For the past several years, the Nitya Nritya Dance Ensemble has explored these questions through dance, storytelling, and reflection.

Our latest production, Upatti – Coming to Be, brings together the insights from this journey, exploring the changing meaning of the Goddess and her enduring place in human life.

Details at: https://nityanritya.com/2026/10/09/upatti-coming-to-be/

Run time: 90 minutes, includes 10 minute intermission and post event discussion.

Age policy: Recommended for ages 8 and up. All patrons require a ticket including infants being held.

Ride UTA: Your ArtTix ticket doubles as a UTA transit pass on the day of your show. Simply show your same-day ArtTix ticket to any driver or host when boarding a UTA bus or train.