Tamizh in movement
Tamizh was a presentation from The Natyam Trust which explores culture as a dynamic component of a civilisation that keeps evolving and reinventing itself. The performance was held recently in
Chennai.
The dynamism and exchange inherent in culture is reflected in the mechanics of the production that attempts to simulate the cultural process. Tamizh is a classical dance duet set in a mixed media presentation that weaves together various art forms - traditional dance, cinema music, video, painting and glimpses of a number of others.
The presentation reflects Tamizh history and culture through its legends, traditions, fine arts and religions set against the backdrop of the social life of the
Tamizhs.
The visual design of the production involves projection of video and images combined with material that reflects the aura and ambience of the Tamizh culture. It attempts to use the unique aesthetics of these media to achieve seamless interaction between the various elements being used in the performance.
The motive of the production is to simplify the above process and use entertaining and popular motifs to communicate in an engaging, entertaining and informative manner.
Tamizh has been conceptualised and designed by Arun, a filmmaker and theatre personality based in Chennai. He is the grandson of the yesteryear legends of cinema, Savithrl and Gemini Ganesan. He has worked on projects in Hollywood and is actively involved in directing TV commercials for national and international brands and various experimental short form story-telling projects. He has also studied theatre in New York and written and designed productions that have been performed at various venues, the world over.
The production is directed and choreographed by Madhuvanthi Arun. Madhuvanthi Arun is the daughter of film/television/theatre personality Y Gee Mahendra and grand-daughter of Rashmi Y.G. Parthasarathy. She is an acclaimed disciple of Padma Subramahnyam and has performed in and choreographed dance ballets that have been performed all over the world. She is a qualified personality in the field of education and is involved in designing systems that prepare students to be global citizens and in the empowerment of rural and underprivileged students through education.
Madhuvanthi was accompanied on stage by Vineeth, nephew of dancing legend Padmini. Vineeth has had a number of popular and classical performances to his credit and is an acclaimed feature film personality in south India who recently portrayed the role of a dancer/dance teacher in the Tamil blockbuster 'Chandramukhi'.
R Rangaraj
