Sensuous portrayal
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Nandhini Ashok's ballet was a brilliant concept but choreography could have been tighter.
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NANDHINI ASHOK Photo: Vino John.
Nandhini Ashok and her students from Shree Paavitra Arts Academy, Mumbai, presented a dance ballet "Kaavyam" with verses primarily from Jayadeva's `Gita Govinda.' The production tried to capture the tenor of Radha and Krishna's love-play.
As a concept, it was brilliant. The Ashtapadi verses selected were representative of the tumultuous relationship that existed between the lovers. They were interspersed with Oothukadu Venkatasubbier's compositions. Nandhini used the classical alphabet of Bharatanatyam to interpret the pieces.
The Krishna portrayed by Nidhi Narnolia was endearingly human, subject to the frailties of character — ecstatic one moment and desolate the next. The other students: Nidhi Agrawal, Aishwarya Padmanabhan, Krithika, Anchal Mahajan, and Aayushi Sethi were uniformly expressive. Arshida Rao as sakhi was mature in her role as Radha's confidante and adviser, and Nandhini as Radha led the way with her dignified delineation.
The problem lay in the visualisation of the lyrical poetry. For starters, there seemed to be an air of uncertainty among the dancers on stage. Any mimetic choreography for a group requires more delicacy and a sharper sense of timing. Perhaps adding some additional nritta passages can tighten the pieces.
The music under the direction of Bombay P.S. Krishnamurthy was good but the inclusion of an electronic keyboard detracted from the classical feel.
RUPA SRIKANTH
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