A mythical tale to propagate greenery

Rajasimha, a classical dance ballet with English lyrics and music by Balasai was presented at Ravindra Bharathi recently by ASMITA .The intent by the creator of this ballet Vasanth Kannabiran was to use a confluence of modern themes with classical dance to deliver socially relevant and environmentally conscious messages to the audience.

The event was dedicated to the luminious Kavi Kaloji Narayana Rao. The initial encouragement and help throughout was given by percussion legend Karaikuddi Mani. In the dance, the male character of a God uses anger and rage as a metaphor to destroy evil and corruption in the society. HE is a unique combination of human, beast and divine.

Echoes of violence are given forth by an earth which is ravished by human greed. Landslides, earthquakes and floods are a result of human action which upsets the ecological balance. People are also affected by their displacement from their habitations.

Rajeswari Sainath was a radiant streak of forceful energy as she called forth the Lion God's anger on stage. The drumming footwork mirrored the rage of the God which could not be easily cooled after his work of destroying the demon was over. Rampaging everywhere; all who came in sight of him either collapsed when exposed to his ferocious anger or made themselves scarce.

Only the enchanting sight of Chenchu Lakshmi and her dance was able to pacify the God. Thus the message of how humans living in peace with nature is the right way of life was conveyed. Hiranmayee very delicately exemplified this role. Other dancers included Taruni, Preethi, Sanjana, Sahana and Keertana.

By Anna Rao Gangavalli