Maya: The Revelation

Avidya

Abigail Johnson

Abigail makes her lead role debut as Avidya in Maya: The Revelation, bringing the character to life through both dance and voice acting. With 15 years of training and a deep passion for performance, she steps into the spotlight with grace and strength. Outside the studio, Abigail is pursuing an engineering degree at the Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary - balancing technical rigor with artistic expression.

Maya

Parvathi Nair

Parvathi Nair leads Maya: The Revelation both on stage and behind the scenes - as the scriptwriter, co-author, choreographer, and lead performer. Portraying the complex role of Maya, she also crafted the show's powerful narrative. Trained in Bharatnatyam since 1998 in Kerala and continuing her journey with Kala Bhavan of Calgary, and a background in music and scriptwriting, she is a true multidisciplinary artist whose creative vision anchors the entire production.

Maate Rudrani

Ashima Sood

Ashima makes her supporting lead debut as Maate Rudrani, the powerful Celestial Court Keeper in Maya: The Revelation. Her dance journey began in Punjab in the 1990s, where she made her mark in Bollywood and Bhangra/Giddha competitions. Now based in Calgary, Ashima has shared her passion for Bhangra with local audiences for years. Now she steps into a new chapter, embracing the expressive depth of Bharatnatyam with Kala Bhavan of Calgary. 

Ocean Queen

Alisha Virk

Alisha brings vibrant versatility to Maya: The Revelation, with a dance journey that spans competitive ballet and jazz to Indian folk and Bollywood. Her love for movement led her to embrace Bharatnatyam in recent years with the Kala Bhavan of Calgary family. Trained at renowned academies like Navrang, Shiamak Davar Canada, and Sparq, Alisha’s performances reflect both technical precision and heartfelt expression. Beyond the stage, she’s also the co-founder of Calgary’s Finest Dholis (CFD), known for electrifying events with her dynamic dhol playing.

Sky Queen

Kajal Dattani

Kajal Dattani soars into Maya: The Revelation as the regal Sky Realm Queen. She is the visionary behind the production itself. As the show's author, co-writer, and content creator, she has shaped Maya’s world from the ground up, weaving together storytelling, movement, and meaning. A Kala Bhavan of Calgary artist since 2000 and now an instructor, Kajal brings decades of experience in Bharatnatyam, folk, and fusion choreography. Her creative leadership has been instrumental in bringing this production to the big stage.

Forest Queen

Pooja Thakore

Pooja Thakore reigns as the Queen of the Forest Realm in Maya: The Revelation, while also serving as the production’s community liaison and choreographer. An award-winning artist (Best Choreographer 2010), Pooja brings over 30 years of dance experience and a rich background in Bharatnatyam, trained both in Calgary and India. An Arangetram graduate and a dedicated member of the Kala Bhavan of Calgary since 2002, she lends her creative brilliance to the show’s dynamic folk pieces and battle choreography.

Mahamaya

Jovita Patara

Jovita Patara brings divine power and elegance to Maya: The Revelation as Goddess Mahamaya. A dancer since the age of five, she blends Indian classical, cinematic, and folk styles with breathtaking skill, marked by her Bharatnatyam Arangetram in 2014. Offstage, Jovita is also the creative mind behind the show’s stunning Water Realm costumes - true works of art that reflect her deep eye for detail. A longtime Kala Bhavan instructor, professional nurse, and proud mother, she shares the stage with her daughter in this production, embodying the spirit of connection and community. 

Voice of Maate Rudrani

Ashley Mathew

Ashley Mathew brings powerful presence and creative brilliance to Maya: The Revelation. A dedicated dancer since 1997 under the guidance of Roma Thakore, she’s known for her dynamic Bharatnatyam and vibrant Garba/Raas performances. In this production, Ashley not only voices the commanding Celestial Court Queen but also works her magic behind the scenes as the lead makeup artist - designing every stunning look you’ll see on stage. Her blend of artistic vision and performance talent makes her an unforgettable force in the world of Maya.