Spending an entire evening watching the abhinaya prowess of seven senior artistes belonging to different dance styles was a delightful experience. Titled ‘Tamrapatra Live’, this unique event was built entirely on the timeless compositions of the revered Telugu saint-poet Annamacharya and beautifully curated by the eminent dancer and choreographer, Ananda Shankar Jayant. The comforting, serene ambience of the Kalakshetra auditorium served as the perfect backdrop, further elevating the rasanubhava, or the aesthetic experience, for the enthralled audience.
The evening began with the exceptional talent of Vaibhav Arekar, who brought to life the poignant feelings of Lord Krishna as he prepared to leave for Dwarka. Seated by the banks of the river, Krishna reminisces the tender moments spent with Radha, an emotional narrative encapsulated in Annamacharya’s poetic verse. Arekar’s depiction captured Krishna’s melancholy with remarkable sensitivity, particularly when Krishna pens his feelings on a lotus leaf and sends it adrift on the water—a moment that resonated deeply with the audience.
Following this touching portrayal, the focus shifted to Radha’s perspective through the song ‘Ati shobiteyam’ in raga Sama, performed with elegance and finesse by Gopika Varma. Through her nuanced expressions and body language, Varma adeptly conveyed the myriad shades of Radha’s emotions, culminating in a visually stunning moment that depicted the grandeur of the seven hills.
The spotlight then turned to the tender relationship between Alamelumanga and Venkateshwara, brought to life in the kirtana ‘Ekkuvatakkuvaleevo’ set in raga Behag. Dancer Deepika Reddy expertly showcased moments of companionship and joy between the divine couple. Her vivacious performance reached a magical climax with a beautiful oonjal (swing) sequence. Additionally, Reddy depicted episodes from Vamana avatar and the mythological churning of the ocean (Amritmanthan) through her dynamic Kuchipudi technique, eliciting awe from the audience.
Next up was Anupama Kylash, who delivered a soul-stirring performance portraying a nayika’s deep longing for her divine lord post-separation. Anupama’s exquisite mukhabinaya (facial expressions) encapsulated profound grief and yearning, alongside metaphorical imageries such as a wilting lotus and the fluttering wings of a bird akin to a heartbeat.
. Each nuanced gesture added layers of meaning to Annamacharya’s evocative verses, creating moments of pure magic on stage.
Adding a unique twist to the evening, Sathyanarayana Raju stepped into the shoes of a sakhi (a female friend), delivering a poignant message from Alamelumanga to Venkateshwara. His portrayal was so thoroughly engrossing and gracefully executed that the audience was entirely swept up in the narrative, momentarily overlooking the fact that it was a male dancer performing in a traditionally female role.
Ananda Shankar Jayant herself took the stage to explore the union of the divine couple through the seasonal transitions detailed in the composition ‘Kaalamularunu’ set in raga Vasantha. Jayant’s dynamic and vibrant portrayal captured the distinct essence of each season, illustrating the changing landscapes and emotions with every shift. Her ability to encapsulate the thematic richness of the season and the divine love story was truly a highlight of the evening.
The finale of the emotionally charged evening came with Sharmila Biswas’s intense interpretation of ‘Aatavaari guditawara’ in raga Kedaragowla, which delved into philosophical depths. Biswas’s performance centered around the idea that every human life is akin to a puppet controlled by a supreme force. Her intense abhinaya delivered a potent message, leaving the audience with much to ponder.
Curating a dance presentation solely focused on abhinaya, devoid of the rhythmic complexities of nritta, presented a unique challenge. Yet, the profound experience and skill of the dancers were evident as they captivated the audience from beginning to end with their compelling portrayals and dramatic expressions.
In conclusion, ‘Tamrapatra Live’ was not just an evening of dance but an immersive journey where each performer unfolded the emotional layers of Annamacharya’s kirtanas. The carefully selected compositions, stellar choreography, and the sheer artistry of the dancers created an unforgettable experience, transcending the boundaries between the performer and the spectator. As the night ended, it was clear that the rich emotional tapestry of Annamacharya’s work had been masterfully brought to life, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.
