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 Kerala Natanam at Margazhi Natya Utsavam- Ambika Shankare-mail: ambikashankarartist@gmail.com January 16, 2026 As part of the Margazhi Natya Utsavam, a thematic presentation of Kerala Natanam, choreographed by the renowned dance maestro Guru Gopinath, was presented by Aparna Sarma E. G. and her team at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Chennai, on Jan 10, 2026. The program emerged as a fine confluence of devotion, classical discipline, and aesthetic refinement, leaving a lasting impression on the discerning audience. The evening commenced with the auspicious Rangapooja Nrityam, set to raga Revathi and Chembada tala. Rangapooja, symbolizing the ritualistic offering of prayers to the stage (Ranga), was rendered with intricate hasta movements, graceful footwork, and evocative facial abhinaya. The precision and clarity in execution sanctified the performance space and set a spiritually elevated tone for the recital, drawing the audience immediately into a contemplative mood. This was followed by the Devi Stuti, "Pahi Parvatha Nandini" composed by Swati Tirunal, in ragam Aarabhi and Chembada tala, choreographed by Guru Gopinath. Performed by Aparna Sarma and Rehna, the piece beautifully portrayed the various forms of Goddess Devi. The choreography illustrated Devi's eight manifestations, emphasizing her role as the divine protector who guides devotees through the many trials and challenges of human life. The expressive depth, graceful transitions, and rhythmic precision significantly enhanced the devotional appeal of the composition.  The third presentation was an elaborate and visually captivating Ramayana dance drama, staged on a specially erected platform. Guru Gopinath's choreography vividly brought to life the principal characters - Rama, Sita, Shoorpanakha, Lakshmana, and Ravana. Aparna Sarma as Rama, Sruthi as Lakshmana, Rehna as Ravana, Harshini as Shoorpanakha, and Sita delivered commendable and well etched performances. The scenes depicting Panchavati, Shoorpanakha's arrival, Lakshmana cutting off her nose, her anguished return to Lanka, and her lament in Ravana's court were particularly striking and thoughtfully conceived. Ravana's portrayal, inspired by Kathakali style costume and make-up, along with the effective use of masked courtiers, added dramatic grandeur and visual splendor to the production. The climactic battle between Rama and Ravana, Ravana's defeat, Sita's rescue, her Agni Pariksha, and the return to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile culminated in the Pattabhishekam (coronation). These sequences were vibrant, colorful, and emotionally powerful, reaffirming the timeless appeal of the Ramayana - an epic that continues to enthrall audiences across generations.  The program concluded with the Narasimha Avatara, which stood out for its innovative choreography, powerful narrative treatment, and profound devotional intensity. Aparna Sarma as Narasimha, Harshini as Prahlada, and Rehna as Hiranyakashipu delivered compelling and impactful performances. While portraying the ferocity of the lion-man incarnation, the choreography maintained a fine balance of divine restraint and spiritual grace, leaving a deep impression on the audience. Overall, Aparna Sarma and her team demonstrated excellent coordination, rigorous classical training, and impressive stage presence. Their performance reflected artistic maturity and promise, firmly establishing that Aparna Sarma and her Kerala Natanam ensemble are on a promising path toward a bright and distinguished artistic career. Ambika Shankar is a dancer, writer and critic. |
