Portrayal of life
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A contemporary dance programme combined various styles of dance and martial arts.
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Meeting of different styles of dance.
SAMUDRA CENTRE for Indian Contemporary Performing Arts presented a 55-minute programme of contemporary dance called `The Sound of Silence' under the aegis of Bank Employees Arts Movement.
The dancers, Madhu Gopinath, Vakkom Sajeev, Deepa M.S. and Ajikumar, adapted the styles of Bharatanatyam, Chau, Kalaripayattu and Yoga to portray themes of life cycle, sensuality, tradition and modernity.
A rope work starting in `padmasana' was followed by a dance number by all the dancers enacting `gaayatri mantra' and verses from `Soundaryalahari.' Madhu and Sajeev then presented a number where they twined like creepers, slithered like serpents and crouched like foxes.
Energetic dance
Then came a short interlude from Deepa, whose energy level could not match that of her precedents.
Once again Madhu and Sajeev demonstrated their enviable balance. But somewhere along, the steps turned merely acrobatic.
The dancers seemed to be concentrating on the rhythm, and responded less to the music. Madhu performed alone, blending the swirls of Kathak, the bends of Chau and the adavus of Bharatanatyam. The steps reminded one of Daksha Seth's style, what with claps and vigorous head movements. Madhu was associated with the danseuse in some of her productions.
Transfer of soul
Next came a masked character, portraying a living creature, depicting its birth, life and death. The drone of the `mizhavu' enhanced the mystique of the piece. Effective lighting by Sreekanth heightened the dramatic quality.
HAREESH BAL
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Entertainment
Bangalore
Chennai and Tamil Nadu
Delhi
Hyderabad
Thiruvananthapuram
