|
Aruna's colourful performance
 Aruna Subbiah, senior disciple of
Sudharani Raghupathy of Shree Bharatalaya, presented a winsome Bharatanatyam recital, under the aegis of the Kartik Fine Arts at the Narada Gana Sabha Mini Hall March 27.
The distinctive feature of the 90-minute, six-number, dance performance was the 45-minute ‘Varnam’ , ‘Ulagelam Potrum Uma Mahesa’ in ragam Bhairavi, taalam Aadhi (Vidwan
Madurai N Krishnan’s composition), studded with arithmetically precise (5.7.9) Jathis, incorporating striking ‘Sollukkattus’, sancharis and
theermanams.
The jathi-composer, Kalaimamani
K S R
Aniruddha, acclaimed for his innovative artistry, clarified that generally the jathis for Varnam are less complicated, arithmetically, and rely more on attractive orientation and visually delightful presentation. Innovations are generally not resorted to as variegated jathi patterns could be counter-productive, more often than not.
Aruna, one of the finest danseuses of her generation today, combined, in this challenging Varnam, themed on Lord Siva’s multi-faceted divinity, her experienced and dedicated artistry, tradition-bound purity and agreeable modernity in such harmonious measure that earned audience approbation in full measure, particularly from ABHAI president M V
Narasimhachari.
Gifted with natural flair, Aruna portrayed the varied manifestations of the unfathomable Cosmic Dancer Deity very impressively. Several popular episodes (eight in number) were presented to glorious rhythm to highlight the Lord’s incalculable magnificence. Aruna took on the demanding aspects of this special colourful number (‘Varnam’ itself means just that) with consummate ease. The Varnam was choreographed by her guru
Sudharani
Raghupathy.
The ‘Navasandi Sruthi’ (Tanjore Quartet) , featuring in detail the blessed attributes of Agni, the fire-God (Nattai-Chatusrajampai) and Nirurudhi, south-west directional protector (Kundalam-Roopakam), were delineated with delicate skill.
Arunachala Kavirayar’s Rama Nataka keerthanai ‘Ramanukku Mannan Muditharitthhale’ (Padam – Hindolam: Aadhi) picturised graphically the ecstatic feelings of
Kaikeyi and her educative chastisement of the evil hunchback Kooni. Sri Rama is to be anointed as crown prince and the affectionate mother Kaikeyi is immensely delighted. The episode is well-known. Aruna’s portraiture was ‘lively’.
The earlier Thiruppugazh (Malayamarutham - Kandachaapu ), the Alarippu in Kandam, the Javali on the dare-devil Abicharika (‘Enna Solliyum’ - Ragamalika - Misrachaapu - Vidwan N Krishnan) and the finale Thillana in Hamsanadham – Aadhi (Madurai Krishnan) enlivened the recital.
Roshni’s sweet music, Aniruddha’s unique beats, Vijayaraghavan’s sensitive violin, Sasirekha’s coordinated nattuvangam and, of course, Sudharani Raghupathy’s seasoned choreography added much charm to Aruna’s performance. Aruna! A bit of pertinent advice, please. You tend to be taut now and then. It shows. Could you please correct this?
R Srinivasan
18 A 4th Main Road,
R A Puram
Chennai 28
Phone : 24355576.
e-mail: r_seema30@hotmail.com
RR
Published on 6th April, 2004
More
Articles
|
