 Mangal
Dhwani: Performing arts at its best
- Rtn. R G
Singh, Mysore
e-mail: ramsonsarts@sify.com
February 5,
2006
Surely everyone
who witnessed the two-hours long dance recital 'Mangal Dhwani' by Abhinava
troupe of Bangalore on the Saturday evening of 21 Jan 2006 at the 36th
Rotary Dist. 3180 Conference 'Shathottara 2006' will agree with me that
it was a marvellous bunch of dances. Performing arts at its best, a visual
treat.
The Abhinava
troupe transformed the stage in front of the famous Lalitha Mahal Palace
of Mysore into mythical Amaravathi of Lord Indra, the King of Gods.
The choice
of songs and lyrics was well researched and the costumes were a true expression
of the myriad hues of nature. The choreography was of the highest artistic
merit.
Nalwadi Krishnaraja
Wodeyar, under whose command the beautiful palace Lalitha Mahal was built
in 1931, was a great patron of arts. Believe me, he would have been delighted
to watch the presentation, and Nirupama and Rajendra would have been conferred
with the title of Asthana Vidushi and Asthana Vidwan respectively.
Like the first
rains in June, the piece 'Monsoon' (Music by Praveen Godkhindi) drowned
us in its musical and visual extravaganza. The abhinaya of Nirupama was
so natural that when she pretended to catch the first drops of rain, we
too felt the sharp cold drops denting our palms.
The presentation
of Kuvempu's poem 'Haalu halla hariyali' was creativity at its best. The
presentation of the 'dohey' from the immortal epic, 'Ramacharitha Manas'
of Goswami Tulasidas was awesome, and the dancing duo of Niru and Raju
gave it a new visual dimension.
 The
riot of colours and vibrant portrayal of Gopis in Raasleela was a magical
presentation; it seemed as if a medieval miniature painting suddenly sprang
to life and performed before us.
The piece,
'Ta-dha' was a test of creativity for the dancing couple from which they
came out with flying colours. It had Jazz and African music incorporated
into the traditional Kathak orchestra. The dance was free flowing like
a mesmerising aalaap.
The tribute
to Saint Thyagaraja 'Jagadaananda-kaaraka' was most apt coinciding with
the season. The performance of several dancers in unison was reminiscent
of the mass singing by celebrated musicians at Thiruvayyar. The dancers
transported us from the sylvan surroundings of Lalitha Mahal to the fertile
banks of the Cauvery.
The penultimate
item 'Nigaah' was a magical piece which would have pleased Nawab Wajid
Ali Shah of Oudh to no end.
The finale
'Kadam Kadam' was highly energetic with deft footwork and the audience
was left asking for more.
The visual
message was powerful. The Abhinava troupe mesmerized the Rotary audience
with their performance. Hats off to Abhinava.
Ramsons
Kalapratishtana, founded in 1995 by Sri Ram Singh, is a service oriented
non-profit institution, which aims at promoting art and artists by means
of presenting awards, conducting seminars and workshops, honouring people
who have rendered invaluable service to art holding exhibitions, lectures
and demonstrations and facilitating research in lesser known art forms. |
