in the world of nymphs

Students of Thejas School of Performing Arts are presenting Deva Madharagal based on Rambha, Maneka and Urvashi. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

It becomes a lively scene when the Bharatanatyam performance is based on the divine dancers – Rambha, Menaka and Urvashi, and when the actors on stage bring the characters to life. Shrekala Bharat and her Thejas School of Performing Arts presented Dev Madaragal, a thematic group performance at Bharat Kalachar, with music by Rukmini Ramani, daughter of renowned musician Papanasam Sivan.

The introductory section depicts the god Madargala praying to Shiva for a new land. This set a powerful tone for the performance.

The production focused on how Indra weaves his complex web of illusions in the lives of Rambha, Maneka and Urvashi. One day, a divine wind dislodged Rambha’s famous ornaments like Chandrakala and Tilakam, causing them to fall to the earth and lose their shine. Troubled, Rambha seeks protection from Indra. When he explains the reason for the accident, she apologizes.

In the next section Vishwamitra’s penance, Menaka’s charm and their love are depicted with precise, emotional movements. The actors portrayed the sage’s repentance and sacrifice with powerful expressions and fluid transformations.

Shrekala Bharat played the role of Iravatam in their thematic production ‘Deva Madhargal’. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

In the final episode, Urvashi is kidnapped by the demon Keshin while returning to heaven. Hearing the screams of the nymphs, King Pururava saves them. Their loving first meeting was portrayed well while their separation and reunion with their son Ayush was presented with poignancy.

Srikala played the role of Iravadham (Indra’s elephant) and appeared before the beginning of each segment. The presentation ended with a group dance.

Rambha, Maneka and Urvashi’s outfits were in vibrant shades of purple and pink. The elaborate eye makeup and well-defined eyebrows added depth to her expressions.

Other dancers in the group wore colorful costumes, adding to the overall visual appeal.

The orchestra of the evening included Padma Raghavan on nattuvangam and narration, Preethi Sethuraman on vocals, Sri Ganesh Ramamurthy on mridangam, KR Venkata Subramanian on percussion pad and N Sigamani on violin. The castes of Rambha, Maneka and Urvashi L. Handled by Narendra Kumar.