Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra presented, “Kendra Dance Festival”
As one of the foremost institutions in India dedicated to preserving and promoting the country’s rich cultural heritage, Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra commands immense respect from cultural enthusiasts. Under the exemplary leadership of Padmashri Smt. Shobha Deepak Singh (Vice Chairperson – Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra), from the esteemed Shriram family, the Kendra epitomizes a mantra of responsibility towards nurturing and propagating our legacy of Performing Arts.
Experience the grandeur of Indian dance dramas – PARIKRAMA, KARNA and MEERA – and witness the fervour of the characters of Indian history and mythology at the ‘Kendra Dance Festival’, presented by the renowned Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra. Embark on a captivating journey through the world of dance as talented performers showcased their artistry on May 3rd, 4th and 5th, 2024. The venue for this spectacular event was the Kamani Auditorium, Copernicus Marg, New Delhi.
The choreography for all three performances is done by Shashidharan Nair, while Padmashri Shobha Deepak Singh oversaw each production serving as both producer and director, ensuring a seamless and captivating artistic experience.
In the words of Padmashri Smt. Shobha Deepak Singh, “The Kendra Dance Festival’s productions are not just performances; they are reflections of our cultural essence and timeless wisdom. In a world where ‘fusion’ often leads to confusion, our commitment to preserving the purity and authenticity of Indian dance tradition shines through. Through PARIKRAMA, KARNA and MEERA, we immersed into the depths of human existence, exploring themes of spirituality, destiny, and the eternal cycle of life and death. These productions retain their original themes while offering profound relevance to today’s society, where violence and discrimination continue to plague our world. On this journey of enlightenment and artistic expression, we celebrate the timeless beauty of Indian culture at the Kendra Dance Festival 2024.”
Artist Shivam Sahni was the principal performer as Atma in PARIKRAMA said, “My character in this production is very challenging as my previous production was as Young Krishna with Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra very easily identifiable. However, for the character of Atma in Parikrama, I portray a non being which itself is very difficult to convey both in terms of Concept and the specific movement vocabulary.”
Tullu Murmu is the principal performer as KARNA said, “My most challenging feat was combining and expressing the historical narrative of Karna himself from rigorous dance and intense, subtle emotions. My feelings whilst communicating with my stage mother Kunti as to ‘why did she leave me and why does she want me back now’ was another intense scene in my role as Karna.”
Artist Molina Singh (MEERA) said, “This was my 28th year of playing the character of Meera. It is also my longest inning to play a character. Through Meera, I learned the value of integrity, to be fearless and condemn the wrong doing against the weak, to be graceful yet fearless in speaking your mind. Extremely thankful to Shriram Bharatiya kala Kendra and Padmashri Shobha Deepak Singh for trusting in my ability to pull this long innings of playing Meera.”
Performance Schedule was :
Friday, May 3rd, 2024 at 7pm : PARIKRAMA
This production explored the depths of the human psyche through Indian philosophy, exploring the cyclical nature of existence from birth to liberation. Beginning with the concept of the Hiranyagarbh, symbolizing potentiality, the production followed the soul’s journey manifesting into the physical world as the Atman. As the Atman descends into the body, birth occurs, leading to a struggle between the soul and senses. The production vividly portrayed Atman’s quest for liberation, drawing from the Katha Upanishad, ultimately achieving Moksha. Through innovative choreography of Chhau dance form and a thoughtful script, “Parikrama” offered audiences a profound theatrical experience, elucidating abstract concepts with clarity.
Saturday, May 4th, 2024 at 7pm : KARNA
In this poignant dance -drama, based on Chhau dance, the profound complexities of human existence as depicted in the epic Mahabharata are explored, with a penetrating focus on the character of Karna. His life was portrayed as a relentless struggle against the forces of fate, showcasing his noble virtues amidst consistent adversity. Battling against injustices and societal norms, Karna seeks his rightful place in society, confronting timeless questions of morality and righteousness. Despite facing repeated injustices, Karna’s life remains vibrant, evoking sympathy and admiration. The dance-drama highlighted his unwavering ideals of friendship, charity, and righteousness, embodying timeless virtues and serving as a reminder of morality’s triumph even in adversity, echoed by Lord Krishna himself, affirming Karna’s enduring legacy.
Sunday, May 5th, 2024 at 7pm : MEERA
Based on Rajasthani and Gujarati folk dances, this dance-drama portrays the life of Meera, renowned as one of our country’s greatest saint poetesses, whose verses brought life to the barren desert and inspired millions in search of alternatives. Meera’s poetry, vibrant and effervescent, carried messages of liberation and encouraged inner awakening wherever she traveled. Breaking royal traditions, she emerged as an emancipated figure, her dance and song embodying female freedom. The production seeks to redefine Meera’s image, delving into the plight of women in India navigating a male-dominated society, offering an analytical and introspective exploration of their struggles.
