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PROGRAM
Vandana:
Praising Lord Ganesh, elepahnt-headed god of auspicious beginnings,
the dancers greet the audience.
[Maya & Janaki]
Kathak Suite:
Traditional compositions danced in 16-beat time cycle are iterwoven
with rhythmic poetry describing the playful cowheard, Lord Krishna.
[Janaki]
Kavitt- Vahi hai Kadamba
Krishna has left the rural riverbank, driving Arjuna's chariot, exhorting
him to battle with the philosophy of the Bhagavad Gita, and ruling in
the big city. The simple village women who played with Krishna--as child
and lover--imagine his presence, and grieve when they awaken to the
reality of his absence.
[Janaki]
Ravana Stotra
Composed by the legendary demon kind Ravana as an offering to Shiva,
the Ravana Stotra describes Shiva's many attributes. It is a powerful
lyric in which words and phrases naturally fall into a rhythm and resonance.
[Maya]
Varnam
Composed by Swaditirunal in Sanskrit, the varnam's mood is romantic.
The song describes Radha's love and longing for Krishna. In a varnam,
all the elements of Bharata Natyam--song, rhythm, footwork, movement,
expressions and hand gestures--come together to express meaning and
mood.
[Maya]
INTERMISSION
Dhamar
This 14-beat time cycle, played on the pakhawaj, is introduced by a
composition danced in three speeds. Befitting the majesty of the rhythm,
the focus is on Lord Shiva.
[Janaki]
Vidyapathi Pad
In poet Vidyapati's verse, a young woman awakens to romance. She peevishly
complains to the love god Kamdev, "Why are you bothering me? Shoot
your arrows at SHiva, your real adversary." She contrast her onnocent
adornments with the cosmic attributes of Shiva, and she begs Kamdev
to see the vast difference and stop shooting love arrows at her.
[Janaki]
Sita's Lament
Sita's Lamant is an excerpt from Raghuvamshansha, the story of King
Rama and his dynasty composed by Kalidasa, the greatest poet of India's
classical perod. Rama banished his wife Sita to the forest because of
the the widespread gossip about her long captivity by Ravana. SIta believes
she is sent to enjoy the beauty of the forest. When she learns that
this is indeed banishment, Sita cries out in anguish and sends a message
to Rama. Kalidasa's Sita is a powerful woman, determined and immenseley
dignified. She takes a vow to spend her banishment in meditation and
yoga.
[Maya]
Parashara
This dance was inspired by the ritual Chandihoma, the first offering
to the femal energy goddess Parashara. THe goddess is created to destroy
demons. The female energy permeates the universe and takes on the horrific
form of CHandi, who is endowed by the elemental powers of all the gods.
The song describes warefare and death. Maddened by the smell of blood,
which sh must drink to prevent new demons from being born, Parashara
is returned to her compassionate form through chanting.
[Maya]
Tarana-Tillana
North and South Indian vocal styles reflect each other, their rhthmic
and melodic patterns embodied in the fast footwork and graceful movements
of Kathak and Bharata Natyam.
[Janaki & Maya]
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