From the Devi purana
Gopika Varma... subtle and slow-paced.
THE SOUND of Edakka combined with that of the veena has a quaint charm. One wonders why the veena is not often used in dance orchestra. Gopika Varma's presentation of Mohiniyattam for the Indian Fine Arts Society filled the hall with the good sound of these two instruments and brought the image of Kerala and its swaying palm trees to mind.
Gopika danced to the Ambagowri kriti on Devi and her various aspects in a subtle and slow-paced manner. Various stories from the Devi purana were woven into the choreography to show her in both her benign and her fierce aspects. Gopika took her time in elaborating each story.
The smarasikura abhinaya piece taken from Kuchelopakhyana, to show the encounter of Kuchela and Krishna at the palace, was given a humorous treatment with Krishna welcoming Kuchela and remembering the pranks they did as classmates in school.
A modern classroom idea was brought forth with Krishna trying to copy from Kuchela and the master asking them to leave the classroom.
But more touching were the remembering of passing through the forest to gather firewood and clinging to each other, as they feared wild animals and snakes, walking through rain and eating food.
All this was remembered by Krishna as he ate the pressed rice brought in by Kuchela.
V. R. DEVIKA
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