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Novel approach Dance ballet was visually appealing.

While Sethuram, son of renowned Kuchipudi guru Bhagavathula Ramakotaiah played the role of Brahmin, P. Ramadevi was the Gollabhama.

This Yakshagana was written by Bhagavatula Ramayya in the 18th century and Bhagavutala Ramakotaiah his progeny developed it into a ballet. The sensitive production deals with two subjects –Pindotpathi Kramam and Yagjnapattu.

While the former deals with practices involved in performing yagnams by Brahmins, the latter deals with the process of child birth.

The foetus takes shape in a woman’s womb as a small cell due to the mix of suklam and sonitham, which are described in modern science as X and Y Chromosomes. The child’s gender is determined depending upon the ratio of chromosomes.

This narration was backed by a visual presentation depicting the foetus’ growth in stages. The kalapam had more of dialogues and songs but less of dance.

A preface to this explained that the newly born child has no religion, creed or cast by birth. A sloka from Bhagavdgeetha - Janmathaa Jayate Sudraah was rendered by Gollabhama. Gollabhama later described that a vipra too was a sudra by birth but becomes a ‘Brahmin’ only after he gains knowledge.

She also questions why Brahmins sacrifice animals as part of yagnas.

Gollabhama enters the scene selling challa (butter milk), perugu(curd) and venna (Butter). An orthodox Vipra (Sethuram) crosses her path while Gollabhama (Rama Devi) questionshim about many aspects of life and Vipra finally surrenders to her arguments. Pasumarthi Seshubabu, son of the Kuchipudi guru Pasumarthy Krishna Sarma, conducted the show besides providing vocal support.

While Srivalli Sarma gave vocal support, Sridharacharya on mridangam, Anil on violin and Venkatesh on flute added to the richness of the orchestra.

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