Saraswati Mahavidhyalaya - SMV, has been serving the Perth community in the dissemination of the knowledge contained in the great text of Dramaturgy - the Natyashastra. SMV’s aim to not only teach the students performing arts but also the ideals of Karma Yoga itself - the essence of which is the heart to serve, love and give.
In Hindu philosophical thought, the purpose of education is fourfold. It concerns the realisation of dharma (truth), artha (wealth), kama (pleasure) and moksha (liberation). Indian art is intimately associated with Hindu practice and philosophy. It is a way of inspiring an aesthetic sense and directing it to a spiritual purpose. Hence, art is always underpinned by a spiritual urge, a looking beyond the here and now to the eternal - to moksha.
SMV is a centre for learning. Saraswati is the Goddess of learning, knowledge, and wisdom. The Sanskrit word sara means “essence” and swa means “self.” Thus Saraswati means “the essence of the self.” Saraswati also means “that which is always flowing. Saraswati is revered by all persons interested in knowledge, especially students, teachers, scholars, and scientists ‘Maha’ means great and ‘Vidhyalaya’ translates ‘to seat of knowledge’, therefore “a great seat of knowledge that constantly enlightens the ever changing and moving mind”.
SMV is dedicated to the promotion of culture and fine arts in Australia and beyond; transcending age, cultural, social and geographical boundaries. It offers courses in dance, music, linguistics, culinary sciences and Ayurveda (Vedic approach to health). Arts and sciences, both ancient and modern can be studies, explored and synthesises into how we live.
Over the past four decades, SMV has staged internationally acclaimed dance and music productions such as I am Ravana, Swan Lake, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Lady White Snake, Ramayana, The Legend of Mahsuri, and Naad Brahma in Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, India and the USA. SMV collaborates with various artistes within Australia and internationally on joint works and productions.
SMV plans to continue exploring new creative work within WA’s major theatre scene and establish itself as a uniquely differentiated performing arts organisation