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 An enchanting introduction to Mohiniyattam in Tokyo by Keiko Okano - Sreekanth Kartha e-mail: kartha.sree@gmail.com Photos: Warihima Mikami Studio December 9, 2024 The Silk Road Cafe Kinshicho in Tokyo witnessed a rare and mesmerizing cultural evening on November 13, as Japanese Mohiniyattam dancer Keiko Okano performed a solo repertoire of the classical Indian dance form, Mohiniyattam. A student of the renowned Guru Nirmala Panicker, Keiko demonstrated not only her profound mastery of this graceful art but also her ability to bridge cultural and linguistic barriers with her deeply engaging performance. A diverse audience Keiko's audience was a diverse mix - friends, Indian art enthusiasts, university students, mythology specialists, and even new viewers unfamiliar with Hindu mythology or Mohiniyattam. This variety underscored the universal appeal of her art. Recognizing the varying levels of familiarity, Keiko expertly contextualized each piece, explaining the storylines, hand gestures (mudras), and expressions (abhinaya) in an accessible manner. This not only enriched the experience for the initiated but also welcomed the uninitiated into the world of Mohiniyattam.  Traditional repertoire with a distinctive flair Keiko's performance followed a traditional Mohiniyattam repertoire, beginning with a Ganapati Stuti and a Devi Stuti, set to the Sopanam style of music. Her rendition of the Varnam in raga Sahana was a highlight, portraying Sita's emotional journey when misunderstood by her husband Rama. The narrative's complexity - Sita drawing Ravana under duress and Rama's reaction - provided ample scope for Keiko's expressive eyes and nuanced abhinaya to shine. Each of Ravana's ten faces became a canvas for Navarasa, the nine emotions, brought to life with precision and depth. The Padam, "Varika Varika Sakhi," originally penned by Guru Kalyanikutty Amma, depicted a love-sick woman awaiting news from her lover. Keiko's portrayal, layered with longing and anticipation, resonated deeply with the audience. The Thillana in ragam Kapi, performed at a slower tempo, emphasized the pure dance aspect of Mohiniyattam. Keiko's rhythmic movements and seamless transitions were captivating. The evening concluded with Chandanam, a signature piece of Guru Nirmala Panicker's school, blending the indigenous roots of Mohiniyattam with its classical traditions. Keiko narrated the tale of a magical sandalwood paste believed to cure all illnesses, weaving it seamlessly into her enactment of Palazhi Madhanam - the mythological story of the churning of the ocean - to support her claim. Her compelling storytelling and expressive performance left the audience spellbound.  A Cultural Bridge Keiko Okano's performance was more than an introduction to Mohiniyattam in Tokyo; it was a celebration of cross-cultural appreciation and artistic dedication. Her ability to convey complex emotions, narrate mythological tales, and maintain the form's traditional purity underscored her commitment to the art. For many in the audience, it was a first step into the enchanting world of Mohiniyattam - a journey they will likely continue to cherish. The evening was not just a performance but an immersive cultural experience. Accompanied by delectable South Indian cuisine from the renowned Srimangalam Chettinad Mess, the event offered a sensory journey into the aesthetics of Mohiniyattam and Indian culture.  Sreekanth Kartha holds a deep appreciation for Indian classical music, dance, and theatre. He finds joy in spending time with his family and engaging in artistic pursuits whenever possible. He also serves as a Principal Scientist at CSIRO, Australia's national science agency at other times. |
