‘Dhruva and Elegy’ performed at Krishna Gana Sabha in Chennai | Photo Credit: Courtesy: Ayana Dance Company
Artists need to constantly reinvent themselves and adapt to the changing sensibilities of the audience. Bengaluru’s Ayana Dance Company has done that successfully.
Two works ‘Dhruva and Elegy’ conceptualised by Ayana Dance Company were performed on the concluding day of Yagnaraman Centenary Celebrations at Sri Krishna Gana Sabha.
Right from the beginning, the group infused ample energy into the performance, which was a delightful blend of colour, light, music and movement. It began with Valmiki Namana and Vayu Pushpanjali in Raga Nattai, a powerful visualisation of movements to evoke the dynamism of the wind.
Lighting played an important role in the show. | Photo Credit: Courtesy: Ayana Dance Company
Two artistes seated under two spotlights on either side of the stage, through their intense acting, depicted the similarities between Hanuman and Thyagaraja – two great devotees of Rama. The line chosen was ‘Vegar Karuna Sagara’. Soon a group of dancers join them and together they explore the kriti ‘Vandanamu Raghunandana’. But the constant presence of a large group of dancers on stage made for a monotonous scene. Entry and exit should be streamlined in group performances.
hanuman chalisa The group was notable for production and powerful footwork. The lines in Chaalisa that talk about fighting fear were highlighted with appropriate lighting and make-up.
The group formation made the choreography even better | Photo Credit: Courtesy: Ayana Dance Company
‘Elegy’, which deals with fundamental questions – who are we? what are we doing? where are we going – was divided into three dance-parts. The Panchakanyas – Sita, Draupadi, Ahalya, Tara and Mandodari were explored through the Panchajati Alarippu with relevant stotras addressed to the five men. The dance goes beyond the narrative and focuses on women empowerment. This idea was woven into the Alarippu in an interesting way.
The group concluded with the mangalam ‘Pavamana’.
Traditional dance design given a contemporary touch. | Photo Credit: Courtesy: Ayana Dance Company
Ayana Dance Company must be applauded for their initiative to expand the scope of Bharatanatyam by incorporating contemporary thought. Throughout the performance, the lighting design by Surya Rao was an integral part of the choreography. It showed why curators of group presentations should pay equal attention to every aspect. Thanks to the lighting, watching the presentation was a delightful experience.
