More faces than one
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Not many remember the villain in the story. But Ravana is an exception, for the complex personality he was
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Photo: Shaju John
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DEMON Shobana proved that the challenge lies in playing a character outside one’s beautiful self
From the mythological stories, it is often the hero that we remember for his virtues. The ten-headed villainous king of Lanka, Ravan, stands as an exception. A compelling and complex personality, Ravan worshipped the arts, was a veena player par exce
llence and was a scholar of immense intelligence. He sang the Shiva Tandava Stotra and played the veena on the strings of his own veins. Such was his staunch devotion towards Lord Shiva.
Maya Ravan is a well-planned tread down the important milestones of the mammoth epic, conceived and choreographed by renowned danseuse Shobana. The lovely Tulsidas bhajan, “Sri Ramachandra”, sets the ambience for the colourful dance ballet. The story weaves in the trail of events leading to the abduction of Sita and finally to the brave battle with Lord Rama, which can be interpreted as a pretext to attain death, and through death, liberation of the demon king.
The ballet gives room for splendour through vibrant movements, costumes and well-depicted characters. The chirpy birds and prancing animals played by the young children, breezing in and out of the stage add frill to the stage. The script and its rendering by various celebrities are befitting and well worth a special mention.
Classical dance by default makes any seasoned dancer beautiful. That in which a veteran dancer’s skill lies is in portraying a character that’s negative, unpleasant and still sticking to the fineness of the art form. Dancer Shobana has proved that the challenge lies in playing a character outside one’s beautiful self. Many a time, Shobana’s dance reminded one of the legendary Dr. Padma Subramaniam’s style.
It is a well-chosen plot for choreography and the focus on the prime character is maintained. Ravan, the only demon king who decided his own fate, had the liberalism to admire his opponent, Lord Rama on the battlefield. “One’s defeat is one’s victory. In defeat you learn, in victory you are gracious. That is what I saw in Rama,” said Ravan to his wife Mandodhari before his last battle.
Ravan’s poignant cry in the final quatrain of poetry (the Shiva Tandava Stotra) - “When will I be happy?” is echoed by modern man is his quest for earthly fulfilment and ultimate liberation from its bondage.
KUMUDHA CHANDRASEKARAN
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