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 'The Dancer's Worship' by Sanjali Centre for Odissi Dance - Satish Suri e-mail: satishism@yahoo.co.in August 13, 2023 In the thematic Odissi production, 'The Dancer's Worship' based on Rabindranath Tagore's play 'Notir Pujo,' the stage at Bangalore International Centre came alive with graceful movements, exquisite expressions and powerful storytelling. The narrative revolves around a "Nati", a skilled dancer deeply immersed in the art of nrithya, honoured as a Rajnarthaki adorned with regal splendour. She finds immense joy in expressing her creative spirit, completely absorbed in her world. In the glorious kingdom of Magadh, during the reign of the benevolent king Bimbisara, the sway of Buddhism spread far and wide, touching the lives of its people. In a transformative encounter with a Buddhist monk Upali, Srimathi's artistic journey took an unexpected turn. Inspired by his spiritual wisdom, she felt a profound awakening within her soul. The monk's teaching planted the seeds of enlightenment in her heart, leading her to seek her Ishta Devata, the Bodhisattva. Undeterred by the fear of death and impervious to external forces she sets forth on a journey to conquer mortality. The story of Srimathi captivates the audience taking them on a mesmerising journey through her spiritual odyssey, her struggles and her ultimate triumph over the fear of death. The presentation beautifully captured the essence of devotion, transformation and enlightenment, and portrays the evolution of a devoted dancer into a divine soul, seamlessly blending artistry and spirituality.  Sharmila Mukerjee ; Photo: Prof K.S.Krishnamurthy  Photo: Joseph S Kumar Dinesh Dugal's portrayal of the wise and inspiring monk Upali added depth and gravitas to the narrative. Raima Nanda and Sharmila Mandakanta as the king and queen infused regal charm into the story. Tejaswi Das essayed the role of a prince with finesse. The monks played by Sayantani Kundu, Heena Singh, Madhura Veena, Gourilakshmi Hari and Priyadarshini created a unique and historical significance with the chanting of "Buddham Charanam Gacchaami". They brought forth a sense of reverence and spiritual depth in the performance. In addition to the ensemble cast, the romantic couple played by Surojit Shome and Srijita Sanyal added a touch of tender emotions to the presentation. The artistic brilliance was further accentuated by the innovative lighting effects creating enchanting interplays of shadows and brilliance. The working spaces crafted by these lighting effects provided a mesmerising backdrop to the dancers' movements. 
The advent of King Ajatushatru brought about a significant shift in the lives of people but it also led to a tumultuous period filled with power struggles and inner conflicts. Amid this turmoil, the devoted dancer Srimathi found herself at a crossroads. Despite the challenges, she accepted an invitation to perform at the Buddhist stupa, a decision that would alter the course of her life forever. As the performance unfolded, the audience was gripped by the intensity of the final freeze. The precision and brilliance of the heightened lighting effects illuminated the stage creating a breathtaking spectacle. However, the shadows of the King's men loomed large, and tragedy struck as Srimathi met her untimely demise. As the final notes echoed through the air and Srimathi's body was carried away, her spirit soared high, a poignant reminder that true devotion and unwavering dedication can transcend the boundaries of mortality, leaving an indelible mark on the world that goes beyond time and space. Srijan Chatterjee's script and entrancing music, Dyneshwar Swain's hypnotic bols and rhythmic brilliance, Charles's heightened lighting effects, enhanced the ethereal ambience, creating a visual spectacle. Sharmila Mukerjee's soul-stirring choreography created a seamless fusion of traditional Odissi dance techniques to create an enchanting symphony of elegance and melody. The significance of Buddhism infused with artistry left an indelible impression on all, making it an unforgettable experience.  Bangalore based Satish Suri is an avid dance rasika besides being a life member of the Music and Arts Society. |
