Friday Review
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The moral of the story is…
CHITRA SWAMINATHAN
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Through legend and folk lore, Subhaashitam sought to highlight values.
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Photo: R.Shivaji Rao
Admirable choreography: Subhaashitam.
There’s a child in every man they say. So Subhaashitam (eternal words of wisdom) based on the Panchatantra, Jataka tales, Tirukkural and Indian folk stories appealed both to the young and old.
After all, it’s not just children who need moral teachings, often elders too have to be reminded of values.
Presented by M.V.Narasimhachari and Vasanthalakshmi, Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi performers and teachers, ‘Subhaashitam’ scored surely for its theme. In the days of senseless soaps and sleazy film numbers, such closer-to-good-life tales are best prescribed for sullied minds.
Combined effort
It was the combined effort and effect of fine choreography, music (recorded), costume, sets and performance (the boy as a serpent and tiger was amazing) that made the thematic work watchable. There was no element of exaggeration or drama even in the lyrics. Going by the nature of the stories, the words were straight.
The Narasimhacharis, veterans in the field of performing arts, knew well the appeal was in being simple and subtle.
The caricatured version of each story projected on the side screens was as impressive as the enactment on stage.
‘Subhaashitam’ began with an ode to true friendship drawn from ‘Tirukkural’ and then came up with cute little stories on honesty (King and the thief), how one should think twice before they act (Snake and the mongoose), strength of unity (Farmer and his sons) and respecting elders (The clever grandson).
The presentation culminated in Viswasaakshi (the cosmic witness), in which again through a story of a king and his irresponsible subjects people were urged to participate in the progress of society.
Moral: every individual can make a difference.
Post-interval, the production seemed over-stretched. Knowing today’s restless audience, moral lessons for over two hours could be a little too much to gulp down.
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Friday Review
Bangalore
Chennai and Tamil Nadu
Delhi
Hyderabad
Thiruvananthapuram
|
