From ‘Arupadai Vidu’. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Many students get out of an institution, but some people try to share what they have done. S. Premnath is such a one. After graduating from Kalakshatra, he went to establish a dance institute in North Chennai. He named it Rukmini Devi Natyakshetra. Every year, he organizes a tribute festival called ‘Kala Sadhana’ in Kalakshetra as a gift to his founder.
2025 edition, recently held, began with the feet of six dancers below Thiriselai (Curtain), conducted by two other dancers. It was a beautiful introduction of six kartigai PangalWhich are internal for the story of Muruga’s birth. This aesthetically conceived sequence formed a preamble for the presentation of ‘Arupadaai Vidu’.
Starting with an episode where Ganesh and Muruga fight a common mangoes, other sequences focused on temples that make Arupada Vidu. Choreographed aesthetics, the dancers in the segment dedicated to temples were depicted their different characteristics through well -designed movement patterns and appropriately imagined.
Rukmini Devi Natayakshetra student Kala Sadhana -2025 is performing photo credits: Special arrangements
The story of Sorpadman was highlight here. The sequences were developed as an entertaining dress drama, from the vibrant dance of Demonsees in the court and the upcoming battle between him and Muruga, from the entry of Sorarapadman. A imaginative element was looking at the fight from behind a transparent curtain. This was a good way to use stage space.
The music score was a good mixture of carnatic ragas, which was chosen according to the scene. Vocalist Hariprasant’s rich voice added an appeal for production. M. Sri Krishna on Mridangam, M.V. on Violin Srinivas, Bhagyalakshmi on flute, Shyam on Tambura and Gansaker on conch offered amazing support. S. Premnath instigated the cymbals.
Production with well -coordinated costumes, sets, light and music, and dance composition was a hearty tribute to Rukmini Devi.
Published – May 14, 2025 01:51 pm IST
