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 Antardyuti: Exploring the inner self - Hareesh N. Nampoothiri e-mail: haree@newnmedia.in Photos: Haree Fotografie September 18, 2024 It is not uncommon to see dancers overdo their choreography, often sidelining the content. The audience usually realizes this only after the performance is over. Despite the awe that may be created and the initial impression made, spectators may leave without something meaningful to grasp and hold onto. This is where 'Antardyuti' stood apart. Conceived by Reshma Rajeev, an alumnus of Kalakshetra, the thematic production focused on the divine interventions of the Devi after the sanctum is closed following the day's prayers. The common women connect  When exploring themes like these, it's essential to connect with the everyday struggles of ordinary people, making the message relatable. 'Antardyuti' touches upon some of the prevalent plights faced by women today. The goddess manifests in various forms to alleviate the struggles of her devotees, forging a profound connection with women from divergent walks of life. As Tarambika, the embodiment of universal motherhood, she tenderly guides pregnant women and ensures a safe childbirth. Transformed into Matangi, the tantric form of Saraswati, she empowers individuals to master knowledge, guiding a girl through veena lessons in this portrayal. And, as the fierce Kali, she fearlessly protects women from harm, championing their cause with unwavering dedication. As the long night draws to an end, she transforms into Kamalambika, reaffirming her role as the universal mother.  In these inspiring episodes, the goddess does not merely grant boons or perform miracles. Instead, she empowers women to discover their inner strength and resilience. This aspect shines brightly throughout the episodes, culminating vividly in the final Kali episode. Reshma Rajeev masterfully weaves together themes of belief and self-discovery, illustrating how faith can ignite personal transformation. 'Antardyuti' - or internal awakening - comes alive through this powerful narrative. An impressive team effort  Reshma Rajeev skillfully portrayed the goddess in all episodes, while her talented disciples - Harikrishnan M, Janaki Vijayan, Devika Nair, Arya S, and Lakshmi Hani - convincingly brought the other characters to life. Reshma's effortless performance as the goddess was a testament to her skill, and her students' supporting roles perfectly complemented the narrative, making the storytelling even more engaging. Bhagyalakshmi Guruvayoor, who took the journey of 'Antardyuti' alongside Reshma, took care of the music part and also lead the vocal. The result was a truly musically delightful experience. They used the traditional texts for the most part, with additional lyrics by R. Ramanand. The intermediate narratives by Rachana Narayanankutty made it more accessible even for those who couldn't make a grasp otherwise. The elegant lighting design by Sujith Mohan and the stage settings by Ratheesh Chottanikkara elevated the overall experience. And for the goddess's convincing appearance, credit goes to the make-up artistry of Prince T. Narayanan. The under-an-hour presentation was concise, leaving the audience eager for more. Reshma Rajeev's work on 'Antardyuti' was truly commendable as she maintained the classical framework while ensuring clear and effective communication. For a debut performance of 'Antardyuti', she made a strong impression and could refine it further for future shows. Perhaps, much like recent blockbusters, there could be a sequel, given the myriad struggles of womanhood. The inaugural presentation took place at the Navarathri Mandapa of Chottanikkara Devi Temple on September 1, 2024.  Dr. Hareesh N. Nampoothiri is a visual design consultant by profession, an art lover by obsession and an author, writer, photographer, editor, lyricist, and director by passion. He is also the founder and chief editor of Artograph, a bimonthly e-magazine on arts. |
