`Part of learning process'
At the rehearsal...
"I AM learning," says Sudharani Raghupathy simply. ``Each time I meet a fresh group, I learn more," she continues. ``It is true that I studied in that country in 1964. I never believed that the twain shall never meet. I think people all over the world are the same. The emotions are the same. The cultures may be different. So when we meet culturally at some point of time, we do find a base that is I think very important in the international understanding today. A thing like this will bring about a lot of good amongst the various nations. What we are going to bring together, we have experimented and that has been very challenging.
Is it purely Bharatanatyam?
The base and the framework are Bharatanatyam. But we have added a bit of folk, raas. Some of the South Indian folk dances also come into play according to the character/roles. But when it is group choreography like a Thillana or a Jathiswaram, it's purely Bharatanatyam. But the way it is executed, we make it simpler for them. Some of the adavus, the basic pattern are a little simpler so that they can join in with us.
And how has it all blended?
I think right now we have blended very well. Initially I was very nervous After two months of solid practice, we were blending very well. They are not used to our movements which for us is natural. We use gestures in our everyday conversation, but for them it is not so. But when the movements start and they move together, it's amazing to watch. Let me add that some gestures are universal. And they are able to see the way we stylise it in dance.
And how have they gone about the costumes for the production?
Usually in most of our productions we try either style of painting or projected art. This time we have tried the Thanjavur style, the painting attitude. The bright colours, the effect of gems studded etc. the traditional dress of Kannagi or of the core dancers. You'll also see a touch of the Mysore painting attitude."
One still wonders why Kannagi? Why Silapathigaram?
``There are many texts. But Prof. Skelton and myself (he calls it a dream, but I won't because it is part of me anyway) are fascinated by Buddhism and Jainism.
"And here is a Westerner fascinated by Silapadhigaram and not the Mahabharatha or Ramayana. One of the important persons who have helped us in the research is Rama Kausalya, Principal of the Music College, Thirvaiyaru. And also because it is woman-oriented and a very powerful woman at that who through her pure living or chastity as they called it could even evoke the Fire God." -
C.M.
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