In the Indian psyche, the epic figures of Shri Ram and Shri Krishna are revered for their teachings of righteousness, policy, and morality. Their stories are vast and celebrated, with numerous festivals and events dedicated to them. The arts, too, draw heavily from their lives. Amidst the Janmashtami celebrations, the Sriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra presents the saga of Mahavishnu's complete avatar, embodied in the form of dance drama. This is not just a performance but a cherished heritage, now in its 49th rendition.
What Makes the Presentation Special?
This year, the Sriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra is proud to present the 49th edition of its esteemed dance drama 'Krishna'. The performance is taking place at the Kamani Auditorium in Mandi House, New Delhi, commencing at 6:30 PM each evening. Special matinee shows are scheduled at 3 PM on August 14, 15, and 16. 'Krishna' is a dance drama that vividly captures glimpses from Lord Krishna's birth to his divine teachings in the Bhagavad Gita during the Mahabharata.
In the dance drama, viewers witness Krishna’s enchanting childhood, mischievous adolescence, his love for nature, compassion for all living beings, and ultimately, the pinnacle of devotion. The allure of Krishna and his aura engulf you as you delve into his personality. Like other chapters of Indian mythology, the narrative of Lord Krishna is interwoven with various tales, myths, and magic, yet it always imparts wisdom that applies to many aspects of practical, daily life.
Source: aajtak
A Traditional Dance Extravaganza
The Sriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra enacts Lord Krishna’s vibrant life, from birth through the Mahabharata, employing traditional dance styles like Mayurbhanj Chhau and Kalaripayattu. Utilizing LED walls enhances the realism of the display and reiterates the center's commitment to innovation, ensuring the experience improves each year.
Choreographed by Shashidaran Nair, the dance drama captures glimpses of Lord Krishna's life. He remains an enigma, and attempts to express his essence have been ongoing for ages. Shashidaran Nair has been choreographing this drama at the Sriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra for almost three decades. Significant changes have been introduced over time.
Technology has evolved, and we have embraced the digital era. Previously, the drama featured live music and was then recorded. Music by Varun Gupta adds depth, expressed through the tuneful language of the dance.
How Has the Presentation Evolved Over 49 Years?
For instance, the vibrant depiction of Krishna and Radha's union, showcased as the Maharasa, includes the chirping of birds, the gentle rhythm of the wind, and the soft murmurs of a river’s flow, crafting a blissful ambiance. This drama, completed with Kathakali, Mayurbhanj Chhau, and folk dance, brings unparalleled joy. Over the years, dedicated audiences have inspired us to uphold this tradition continuously.
The role of young Krishna, captivating hearts, is performed by Kavya Nair. Her expressions and dance bring Krishna alive, making an immediate connection upon entering the stage. Upon seeing her performance, an elderly viewer praised, "Child, you truly looked like Kanha." Following the drama, the audience eagerly gathered to meet Bala Krishna Kavya. At just 9 or 10 years old, she plays the role with exquisite emotion and grace.
The Challenges of Staging Mythical Stories
Tullu Murmu also makes a mark in the role of young Krishna, transitioning to Raj Kumar Sharma as Krishna in his supreme avatar after Tullu's portrayal concludes with Kansa’s demise. Raj Kumar Sharma not only plays the role but also contributes as an assistant choreographer. He is also the repertory manager at Sriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra. Creating scenes that portray various emotions—from joy to sorrow, from peace to battle—through lighting and sound is a testament to his vision.
He explains that it’s remarkable how audiences grasp our ideas, understanding the essence of what we portray. For example, one scene shows Mathura migrating to Dwarka upon Krishna's advice. While depicting this migration on stage seems challenging, we managed to illustrate it with foot percussion. The dancers tread in rhythmic patterns, creating an illusion of movement, effectively depicting the scene through dance.
Source: aajtak
Krishna Dance Drama: A Cultural Legacy
Other performers also play pivotal roles in the dance drama. Rituparna Das portrays Radha. Anusuya Choudhary enacts Draupadi. Neha Shukla brings Putana and later Gandhari to life. Prerna Bassi Jha plays Rukmini, and Sunita Rani steps into Yashoda’s shoes. Other portrayals include Vishal Nirman as Kansa and Bhishma, Lokesh as Dronacharya, Kanishk as Bhima, Shishupal and Laxman Singh Negi, Duryodhan as Swapn Majumdar, and Himanshu as Sudama.
The dance drama’s director and Sriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra chairperson, Padma Shri Shobha Deepak Singh, states, "It is a matter of pride that 'Krishna' is now in its 49th year. Lord Krishna's life is not merely an epic tale, but a philosophical journey, filled with messages of love, valor, and intellect. We strive to engage audiences with this beautifully emotional and artistic rendition."
This presentation is brought by the center's dance repertory, a professional dance company of Sriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra, choreographed by Shashidaran Nair, with support from his protégé and repertory manager, Rajkumar Sharma. This year, the inclusion of new young artists has invigorated the production with fresh energy. The ‘Krishna’ dance drama beautifully blends classical and folk dance styles. Traditional attire, jewelry, music, and vivid imagery make it a comprehensive cultural experience. For the past 49 years, the 'Krishna' drama has imparted love, compassion, righteousness, and truth to audiences of all ages. It's a singular symphony of art and spirituality.
