The thematic presentation of Jikishore Moslikanti was marked by well-choreographed sequences.

Thematic presentation ‘Triyambam’. Photo credit: K. pichumni

The spectators make the time and effort to see the performance worth it when the performance lives up to their expectation. One experienced that aesthetic pleasure while watching the group presentation ‘Triyambam’ by Jikishore Mosalikanti and Shivamohanam School of Kuchipudi.

The show was conceptualized on three aspects of dance – Naratta, Naritya and Natya – and revolved around the theme of three goddesses, namely Saraswati, Lakshmi and Durga. As the stories related to each goddess unfolded, what was constant was the rich tapestry of music and movement.

‘Ya Kundendu Thushara The popular Muthuswami Diksathi Krushi’ Sri Saraswati Namostuthe’ raga was in Arabic after ‘Hara Davala’, a traditional obeisance to the goddess of knowledge. The simple choreography and synchronized dancing by the four artistes highlighted the characteristics of Saraswati.

The narrative went on to culminate in the emergence of the goddess from the ocean, the marriage of Lakshmi and Vishnu in the episode ‘Sri Udabhavam’, the story of Lakshmi and the Ksheersagara Manchana.

Shivamohanam Group Photo credit: K. pichumni

Jikishore entered the story as the narrator, but soon became Pahad Mandara. When the snake was being pulled to both sides to churn the ocean, the corresponding circular movements of the jikishore added to the visual appeal of the episode. In the wedding sequence, singer Adithya Narayanan’s portrayal of the singing and ritual was highly impressive. The lyrics for it were by Pappu Venugopala Rao and the music was composed by Kuldeep Pai.

The way the story of Durga and Mahishasura was portrayed and the refrain of the lines ‘Jaya Jaya Darge’ was effective.

The highlight of a Kuchipudi recital is always the Tarangam, or dancing on a brass plate. Performed by one male and four female dancers, Tarangam was choreographed by Narayana Tirtha with meaningful pauses and vigorous group and solo movements. A Thillana in Raga Brindavani by Ramesh and Jekishore made for a happy finale.

The contribution of the musical team in this show was huge, which included the singing of Swetha Prasad, Aadithya’s pronunciation of the Jathi, BP Haribabu’s strokes on Mridayangam, Ejavar Ramakrishnan and B. Muthukumar’s melodies were marked by violent harmonies and flutes. Padmavani Mosalikanti, Ala Venugopal, Vedya Sperti Konda, Sathavika Reddy, Lekshmi Raghunath and Srisammohana Mosalikanti brought the choreography alive with their dances.