Three dancers highlight universalism in teachings in Ramakrishna, Sarda Devi and Vivekananda

The stage was naked, sitting in silence, save for three dancers. Before playing a note of music, Uttaraia Barua and Radhika Vervelvan bowed as Ramakrishna and Sarda Devi, while P. Sundarson stood in front of him in calm worship. This moment set tone for evening performance.

From this inauguration, Katha came out in Ramakrishna’s early spiritual journey. Actress of Uttaraia Barua depicted her devotion to Goddess Kali, her craving and her transit moments. In a striking soundscape, the mantras of ‘Allah’ and ‘Halelujah’ are interconnected with Sanskrit hymns, symbolizing Ramakrishna’s belief that divine can be contacted through all religions.

The presence of Sarda Devi was woven delicately in the story. Through subtle expressions and restrained movements, Radhika brought the challenges of life and her calm acceptance of her spiritual strength.

Uttaraia Barua, Radhika Varewell and P. Shipping at Sundarson Narada Gana Sabha. Photo Credit: B. Jothi Ramalingam

After this, the demonstration went into the life of Narendranath Dutta, who was born to Vishwanath Dutta, who will later become Swami Vivekananda. Sundarson captured the young man’s suspicion, questions and a sense of discovery. The statement threw light on his encounters with Ramakrishna and how the Guru’s guidance changed his path.

A particularly thoughtful interlude story came from the Upanishads with the story of the dancer, the boy who questioned Yama, the owner of death about the meaning of existence. Woven in Vivekananda’s visit, the episode showed its uncontrolled discovery of truth and deep understanding. The story then took the audience to Chicago, 1893, where the voice of Vivekananda grew in his historic address in the religions of the world: “The sisters and brothers of the US …” through the sarcastic, through the choreography, followed their change from a question in a spiritual leader through choreography, who took away the disciple of India on the world stage. Vivekananda’s teachings were also depicted in the segment, which concludes with his timeless teachings: “Get up, wake up, don’t stop until not reaching the goal.” This phrase became an anchor of performance, which is visually expanded, reflected in synchronized movements.

Three dancers discovered the journey of Ramakrishna, Sarda Devi and Vivekananda. Photo Credit: B. Jothi Ramalingam

Sourav Das on Vocals in the orchestra for the evening, L on Nattuvangam. Narendra Kumar, Ms. Sukhi on Mridangam, TV Sukanya on Violin, Aju Ambat on flute, Shankar Ganesh and Anna Purnni with voiceover.

By keeping the stage and dress simple, the production attracted attention to stories.