It's all rain and dance in the city
3 July 2013 7:55 PM GMT
Blending in world music with the rhythms from Kerala, Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) has organised a one of its kind choreographic production, Rain by Vijaylakshmi on 5 July.
Rain is a new choreographic work in Mohiniyattam by Vijayalakshmi, the renowned Mohiniyattam dancer. This production is inspired by poet Sudeep Sen’s critically-acclaimed book of poetry, Rain. One of the verse from his book reads: 'It is raining again, but today’s is a beautiful kind of rain…. steady, symmetrical confident, and unobtrusive. It has a kind of presence that is omnipresent without acutely announcing that it is there, like ambient music.'
Infusing its essence into a dance form, Vijayalakshmi interprets Rain through the idiom of Mohiniyattam, the south Indian classical dance, which through its fluidity and ability to convey emotions and moods is very suited to express the metaphor of rain.
As with most of her path breaking productions, the musical arrangement in Rain is very unique.She has worked very closely with Mac Quayle, an eminent American composer, to arrange traditional Kerala rhythms, Dhrupad, Rabindra Sangeet and contemporary elements which are all brought together seamlessly into a unique blend of world music.
It is perhaps for the first time that Dhrupad has been incorporated into a Mohiniyattam choreographic work, rendered by the eminent torch-bearer of Dhrupad tradition, Wasifuddin Dagar.
This vision was furthered by her collaboration with artistic director, Sara Baur-Harding, who also directed the documentary film on Vijayalakshmi and her mother, Beyond Grace and the 3D short film Carmen.
Vijayalakshmi has always endeavoured to take Mohiniyattam to higher levels by constantly exploring uncharted territories and expanding traditional boundaries through innovative choreographies inspired from a pan-Indian and global perspective.
A recipient of several prestigious national awards, she has carved a distinct niche for herself and has played a significant role in the rejuvenation of this beautiful Indian classical dance form.
Head over and experience a confluence of forms.
Rain is a new choreographic work in Mohiniyattam by Vijayalakshmi, the renowned Mohiniyattam dancer. This production is inspired by poet Sudeep Sen’s critically-acclaimed book of poetry, Rain. One of the verse from his book reads: 'It is raining again, but today’s is a beautiful kind of rain…. steady, symmetrical confident, and unobtrusive. It has a kind of presence that is omnipresent without acutely announcing that it is there, like ambient music.'
Infusing its essence into a dance form, Vijayalakshmi interprets Rain through the idiom of Mohiniyattam, the south Indian classical dance, which through its fluidity and ability to convey emotions and moods is very suited to express the metaphor of rain.
As with most of her path breaking productions, the musical arrangement in Rain is very unique.She has worked very closely with Mac Quayle, an eminent American composer, to arrange traditional Kerala rhythms, Dhrupad, Rabindra Sangeet and contemporary elements which are all brought together seamlessly into a unique blend of world music.
It is perhaps for the first time that Dhrupad has been incorporated into a Mohiniyattam choreographic work, rendered by the eminent torch-bearer of Dhrupad tradition, Wasifuddin Dagar.
This vision was furthered by her collaboration with artistic director, Sara Baur-Harding, who also directed the documentary film on Vijayalakshmi and her mother, Beyond Grace and the 3D short film Carmen.
Vijayalakshmi has always endeavoured to take Mohiniyattam to higher levels by constantly exploring uncharted territories and expanding traditional boundaries through innovative choreographies inspired from a pan-Indian and global perspective.
A recipient of several prestigious national awards, she has carved a distinct niche for herself and has played a significant role in the rejuvenation of this beautiful Indian classical dance form.
Head over and experience a confluence of forms.
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