Annual dance extravaganza: A fusion of classical and contemporary
The three-day festival of dance and music organised as part of Parampara Series will include performances by experienced as well as young artists from across the country.
In 12th century AD, a Buddhist monk with the might of his powers enabled his soul to enter another body. In 1969, soon after Kuchipudi exponent Raja Reddy took to choreography, he represented the tale of Bhagavad Ajjukeeyam in his act on stage. This year, he is bringing back the same story for the Capital, as part of Parampara Series National Festival of Dance and Music 2016.
Organised by Natya Tarangini, the three-day festival will see performances by artists from across India. Kaushalya Reddy, organiser and Kuchipudi-dancer says, “This is the 20th edition of Parampara Series. When we hand-pick artists for this annual festival, we try to bring the best to Delhi… after all it’s the masters of the art who touch the pulse of rasiks.”
The performance by Raja and Radha Reddy along with their disciples will kick-start the festival. “Kuchipudi is a combination of theatre and temple dance,” says Raja Reddy. Elaborating about his act, Reddy adds, “Whatever we see in our real life, we can present on the stage. Indian classical dances are not bound by any languages. That is why we are presenting this story of the Buddhist monk who transfers his soul from his body to another.”
The day one itinerary has performances by D Srinivas, D Sesha Chary and D Raghava Chary, who will render veena and carnatic vocal. This will be followed by a Manipuri recital by Lokendrajit Singh from Imphal and Hindustani flute recital by Ronu Mazumdar. On the final day, a Hindustani vocal recital by Kaushiki Chakraborty will take place along with a contemporary dance performance titled Cosmic Dance of Shiva by Samudra Group from Kerala.
“Every traditional dnace form explores Shiva dancing in the universe,” says Madhu Gopinath, co-director, Samudra Group. He adds, “We try to bring a different interpretation of Shiva’s ardhanreeswara form – which is the union of the male and female. Shakti here is contained within Shiva.”
About the inclusion of this contemporary dance group, Kaushalya says, “We want to represent the beautiful culture of our country, which includes the classical as well as the contemporary art forms.”
CATCH IT LIVE
What: Parampara Series National Festival of Dance and Music 2016
Where: Kamani Auditorium, Copernicus Marg
When: September 30 to October 2
Timings: 7pm to 9.30pm
Nearest Metro Station: Mandi House on Blue Line