Celebration of womanhood
HARISH BAL
|
Vyjayanti Kashi's `Yagna - a celebration of womanhood' asked pertinent questions concerning the dignity of women.
|
HER STORY: Vyjayanti Kashi's choreography tackles contemporary topics and uses myths and mythology to reach out to her audience.
Apart from being a good performer and choreographer, Kuchipudi dancer Vyjayanti Kashi is also a renowned teacher. She has used dance as a therapy for spastic children.
Her dance performance in Kochi, called `Yagna - a celebration of womanhood,' asked pertinent questions concerning the dignity of women. Those questions were supplement with popular themes from myths. Her students of Sambhavi School of Dance lent her support in this endeavour.
On the five elements
The first item was `Srushti,' a magnificent piece of nritya echoing the greatness of the five elements - earth, water, fire, air and ether. The maternal quality of the earth and the cleansing property of water were depicted with subtle but effective gestures. The mirthful jathis and swaras were expressed through graceful movements of the Kuchipudi style. The dancer portrayed the helplessness of Renuka, who was to put to death on her husband, Jamadagni's order. The piece, interspersed with Sanskrit and Telugu verses, started with `Kutra nyayah kutra neethih.'
The dialogues in English lent the piece dramatic effect. Vyjayanthi's portrayal of Sita emphasised her superb abhinaya that stood out for its clarity, subtlety and elegance. Her movements were so well planned that even her moments of quietude proved to be eloquent.
In `Main ladki hoon amba naam ki,' a Hindi composition, the dancer brought out the angst and dejection of Amba who feels humiliated by Bheeshma. Interpretation of lyrics is of utmost importance in Kuchipudi dance form, and this could be learnt from the importance the dancer was imparting to each word.
The dancer conveys that these wronged women are all the more celebrated for their chastity and mental power. The item ends with a pondering question "Did you hear her voice?"
The programme was organised by Dharani Society.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Friday Review
Bangalore
Chennai and Tamil Nadu
Delhi
Hyderabad
Thiruvananthapuram
