Kalakshetra alumni Shijith Nambiar and Parvathy Menon are well-known and popular names in the field of Bharatanatyam, consistently drawing house-full audiences. But seeing Shijith step back and watch his own concept and choreography come alive through Parvathy and their dance ensemble — comprising students of the Chidagni Foundation — was a new experience and one that naturally drew added curiosity.

With the powerful voices of T.M. Krishna and O.S. Arun enriching the production, one must acknowledge the strong Bharatanatyam grounding of the dancers — a team that moved as one unit while still retaining their individual identities. That balance is crucial in Indian classical group work, where the inner voice of each dancer must remain expressive even while they represent a collective whole; otherwise, the lyrics lose their very meaning.

Beginning with Amba Kamakshi of Syama Sastry in Bhairavi, the verses with its profound depth enveloped the soul. It created a kind of wholeness within which the dancers, moved with their limbs. Bhavayami Raghuramam of Swati Tirunal had many take aways. Anguish in separation, Rama’s journey, devotion of Hanuman and use of the vachika abhinaya, a catching trend in the Bharatanatyam repertoire. Equally enterprising was the sanchari on ahalya and depiction of Jatayu. Viswaroopam and the ending element of all devotees closing their eyes with a piece of cloth was created a cinematic impression, so did the chakra movement in the Kalika setu.

Amongst the dancers in the ensemble was Bhadra S. Menon (Shijith’s daughter) who depicted Krishna in Purandara Dasa’s Jagadodharana. Innocent and cute, she never fell short dancing amongst her seniors. The surprise appearance of Krishna from behind Parvathy, seated as Yashoda was very well thought. Filled with sancharis of Krishna’s deeds, there was never a dull moment. The recital concluded with Sankara Sri giri, with the sound of ‘Om’ travelling back and forth. And then giving rise to the blazing Bhasma depicted by strong white light that dropped down accompanied by the use of cloth being waved by dancers in a rapid manner intensified the emotion.

Aswathi Suresh, Simran Sivakumar, Varada Menon, Lakshmipriya, Swati N, Limna Lakshmanan and Vishriti performed with full energy and conviction. Were the pieces knitted in a theme? Not really, other than the fact that each of them, are philosophically and musically uplifting. Shijith with his choreographic brilliance made the visuals equally elevating. His thought was simple – presenting works on great masters that would resonate with anyone in the audience with a fresh take such that the audience still finds a newness in compositions they have heard again and again.

One can interpret it in its own way. As for the writer, I would think it as a work engulfing the soul; creating waves within that’s never still and yet giving the peace of silence.  

PC: Season Unnikrishnan