In this issue you will find reports on the Tyagaraja aradhana festival in Tiruvaiyaru- the 50th conducted by Sri Thyagabrahma Mahotsava Sabha; the Tansen-Tyagaraja festival in Lucknow, the Vadiraja Kanakadasa festival in Udupi; the Kaiasagaram festival in Secunderabad; the Bharatotsavam festival, a dance event with a difference held in Madras; and of course the annual music and dance extravaganza in Madras. 

This time, the central feature focusses on some basic issues raised by what Anami has called the 'grand illusion'. It excludes comments on performers and performing trends, which will find place in the next issue. The separation is deliberate, and it is aimed at focussing your attention on the 'ship', which, surrounded by fog and absent adroit steering from the bridge, is adrift in murky waters. 

The cover photo, showing performing arts as a sick person watched by anxious onlookers, is by Pat Raman. Besides the reports on the festivals, you will find an interview with abhinaya guru Kalanidhi Narayanan, and articles on tavildar Valayapatti Subramaniam, a note on art administrator Keshav S.Kothari.