Harmonious blend of dance and drama

A Bharatanatyam fusion recital, comprising dance and drama, was organised by Asmita at Ravindra Bharathi. Titled ‘Peace On Earth’, the dance drama, written by Vasanth Kannabiran, was linked by the common thread of four saintly heroines. Performed by Rajeswari Sainath and her disciples, the performance blended perfectly with the different kinds of music. The English commentary delivered the message of the performance – peace and religious harmony.

Rajeswari and her students took on the roles of Esther, Mary Magdalene, Rabia and Akka Mahadevi of Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Hinduism respectively.The first story featured young dancer Vyshnavie as Esther in a purple costume and a glittering tiara. The Biblical story tells about the courage of Esther, who was the beloved of King Ahesaurus, was well displayed. This Jewish heroine overcomes her fears and uses the king’s love for her as a means to save her people from the villainous General Haman who wishes to destroy them. Mary Magdalene, the only female disciple of Christ, was gracefully portrayed by Supriya Krishna. Looking elegant in blue, her depiction was sincere and her abhinaya was eloquent. The story had scenes of her washing Jesus’ feet and drying them with her hair, her poignant sense of loss at the crucifixion and finally bearing witness to his rising.

Next to be portrayed was Rabia, a Muslim saint who was sold as a slave, was saved from the clutches of her master who recognised her greatness by the radiance surrounding her. The very Ka'aba moved from its place to honour her when she went on pilgrimage. This episode was strikingly enacted by four students. Finally, the story of Akka Mahadevi, an ardent devotee of Shiva, was staged. Akka’s love for Shiva saves her from a king's lust. She throws away her raiment in a splendid gesture of renunciation to be clad only in the Lord’s grace. All the four stories, delivering the message of peace and harmony, were well-staged.

By Anna Rao Gangavalli