Watch Me

Words by Shruthi Rao

Tunga’s family thinks she is crazy to want to perform in a yakshagana aata with the boys and men of her clan. She wants to paint her face, don an elaborate headdress, and dazzle the audience with her costume. Eager to whirl and swirl and jump and fight like the warriors on stage, Tunga just needs a teacher to give her a chance. But getting on stage is only the first step because Tunga has big plans for herself and her family of dancers! 

In a gorgeous showcase of a traditional dance and storytelling art form popular in South India, this picture book is a tribute to the pioneering women who have carved out a space for themselves on stage and beyond.