Shyama Iyer is an emerging Indian-American writer, composer and choreographer who works most often in live theater settings. Her expertise lies in the blending of Bharatanatyam and contemporary dance movement, Carnatic and American Musical Theater music, and on the aesthetics of classical Indian poetry and drama. She holds a BFA in musical theatre from Western Kentucky University, a master’s degree in theater from The Ohio State University, and she is currently working toward her doctor of fine arts from the Yale School of Drama. Her recent musical theater work includes  The Sound of an Anklet (Book, Music and Lyrics), A Game of Dice (Book, Music and Lyrics), and The Rasa Jar (Music and Lyrics). These works reimagine Indian myths, theatrical traditions and musical genres for contemporary American audiences. She has presented work at New York City’s 54 Below, The Yale Cabaret, The Kentucky Center for The Arts and several venues in India. In addition to her creative work, she co-directs the Guru Vandana Arts Academy and the Geeva Arts Festival in Louisville, Kentucky.
