Various types of relationships can be seen in Indian classical dance. HeroineThe main female character and her friendAn often overlooked friend and confidante. Their friendship, filled with tenderness, pain, conflict and compromise, is not easy to define. Kathak-based dance-drama performed by SIFF Young Artists my friend This dynamic is explored through the story of the heroine and her Sakhi coming of age. SIFF Young Artists is an initiative of the Singhal Iyer Family Foundation (SIFF).
“Life is not always easy, but the fact is that they (sakhis) will always be there,” says Anushka Chandak, Kathak dancer, choreographer and SIFF Young Artists faculty. “It made me think about what else I have in my life that I am grateful for, but also complain about. For me, it was the menstrual cycle.”
Anushka Chandak | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Dressed in a red outfit, Anushka recently performed with Kathak artiste and founder of Radha Productions, Radhika Karandikar, at the Bangalore International Centre. Anushka’s effortless expressions and spontaneous movements mesmerized the audience.
Throughout her career, Radhika has always aimed to create presentations that would interest the younger generation. She argues that claims of a decrease in the popularity of this art form, which many lament as its “death”, are not entirely true. There is simply a lack of “relatable concepts”.
Anushka admits, “People are very hesitant to explore such subjects. Traditionalists were very concerned about how it would fit into the classical dance form.” However, the artistes believe that Kathak can be used as a medium to tell any story.
Radhika Karandikar | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
“Dance is not just about movements; it is a language. Once you learn to use it, you can say whatever you want with it,” says Anushka.
my friend It is a rollercoaster of emotions that shows the stages of this “endless friendship”, including joy, anxiety, embarrassment, grief, curiosity and anger. The play’s focus on womanhood placed no restrictions on its audience and the cast was delighted to see many men in attendance.
the journey of adolescence, motherhood and menopause, my friend combined various Juices (Moods in Classical Dance) including Humor (Pleasure), sad (Sadness), Makeup (beauty and Horrible (Fear). The play strikes a balance between personal experience and social perspective through its beautiful rendition of traditional Kathak – a presenter Progressing towards more high-speed technologies e.g. thirds, jugalbandi And Gut Development,
“Even if someone doesn’t know about Kathak or music beforehand, they will enjoy watching it,” says musician Aman Warkhedkar. my friend. Through a vibrant blend of sounds of piano, violin, sarod and flute, Aman depicts the varied experiences of womanhood, starting with the nervousness and confusion during the first menstruation. ghaatam And PakhawajThe song delves into territory of sensuality and vulnerability, and ends with powerful vocals to express the pains of menopause.
Aman Warkhedkar | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The composition also includes moments of silence that allow the artists’ footwork to shine. When Radhika is anxiously awaiting her period, the sound of her heels, gradually increasing, mimics the ticking of a clock.
Such scenes of anxiety are further enhanced by Yash Potnis’ deft handling of the stage lighting, with flickering multicoloured footlights replacing the steady, fervent red that reflects Radhika’s tumultuous relationship with her red friend.
This collaboration between SIFF Young Artists and Radha Productions not only breaks the taboo around periods, but also tests the boundaries of classical dance. Shikha Mathur, a Kathak student who is grateful for the performance, says, “If we want to spread this art form, we have to think beyond mythology… I want to go beyond the conventional stories.” my friend‘Representing overlooked subjects’.
Scenes from my friend
Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
