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'Satyam Shivam Sundaram'
was a well-choreographed piece that seamlessly combined nritta and nritya
VISUAL HARMONY: 'Satyam Shivam Sundaram'
amalgamated dance forms to convey the essence of the theme.
"Truth that is auspicious and beautiful
is enshrined within creation." This dictum forms the foundation for 'Satyam
Shivam Sundaram,' a production by Dhananjayan and Shanta for Bharata Kalanjali
and Fine Arts Society, Yogaville. A tribute to Swami Satchidananda Maharaj,
the production featured as the first annual programme of Dharani Society,
Kochi.
A 12-member troupe of the Dhananjayan's
disciples from the United States performed this piece. The opening scene
titled 'The Lotus,' symbolised beauty that is knowledge. In a poem by Muthukannappar,
the dancers sketched the abstractness of beauty through the many petals
of the lotus. The fragrance of the flowers attracts bees, like the true
seekers of knowledge.
In the next scene, the dancers traced
the vibrancy of the five life forces of earth, water, fire, air and ether.
The serenity of earth and water contrasted brilliantly with the flare of
fire in the expressions and movements of the dancers. These forces emanate
from the Mother Goddess of everlasting energy. This energy was depicted
in the evolution of the three goddesses, Vani, Lakshmi and Parvati in a
poem by Bharathiyar. These were interspersed with jathis that were snippets
of masterly choreography.
Pure dance sequences
The production liberally amalgamated
the movements and style of Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, freestyle dance movements
and theatre, giving ample importance to pure dance sequences and intricate
footwork. The cream of the presentation was Ekam tat viprah bahudha
vadanti capturing the myth of King Dharmika. Dharmika leaves his sword,
the symbol of power, with a hermit before leaving on a pilgrimage. His
ability to understand the language of the animals enables him to live in
harmony with nature and truth. He implements the same in his kingdom by
giving up the use of power.
Padmarani Rasiah excelled in the
role of Dharmika. In an episode with a Chandala, he discovers that the
soul is far removed from the clutches of caste and race. This realisation
was depicted with subtle nuances of abhinaya by Padmarani whose
nritta showed utmost precision and clarity.
The other participants skilfully
portrayed the movements of the animals. Kannan Rasiah, the only male dancer,
showed great flexibility and felicity of expression in a jugalbandi and
the tillana.
Enchanting scene
Another enchanting scene was the
depiction of different religions and faiths using props and candle lights.
Vaishnavajanatho thene kahiye, which was performed against this
background, was a moving experience for the audience.
A thematic interpretation of abstractions
as truth and beauty, simplified with relevant anecdotes and myths with
great clarity, well rounded by magical choreographic moments made 'Satyam
Shivam Sundaram,' a captivating experience.
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