Spending an entire evening witnessing the abhinaya prowess of seven esteemed artists from various dance styles was an unforgettable experience. This remarkable event, titled ‘Tamrapatra Live’, was completely based on Annamacharya’s compositions and was meticulously curated by Ananda Shankar Jayant. The Kalakshetra auditorium’s evocative ambience significantly enhanced the rasanubhava, or the aesthetic experience.
In 2010, renowned musician Sathiraju Venu Madhav undertook the monumental task of setting 108 uncomposed kirtanas of Annamacharya to melodies in 108 ragas. Driven by a desire to popularize these timeless compositions, Ananda Shankar along with Anupama Kylash initiated a year-long online series, culminating in this extraordinary full-length live performance.
Seated on the banks of the river, Krishna, before his departure to Dwarka, reminisces the beautiful moments shared with Radha. The poignant question, ‘Will I see her again,’ reverberates through his thoughts. This intricate scenario, imbued with a gamut of emotions, was brought vividly to life by Vaibhav Arekar. One of the highlights of his presentation was the evocative sequence where the dancer pens his feelings on a lotus leaf and lets it float gently on the water, symbolizing transient yet precious memories.
The focus then shifted to Radha in the song ‘Ati shobiteyam’ (set in raga Sama) performed by Gopika Varma. With exquisite grace and minute finesse, Varma deftly portrayed the myriad shades of Radha’s emotions. The culminating moment, depicting the seven hills, was both intriguing and visually captivating, showcasing her mastery in emotive expression.
Delving into the tender bond between Alamelumanga and Venkateshwara, Deepika Reddy performed the kirtana ‘Ekkuvatakkuvaleevo’ in raga Behag. Her vibrant and joyous portrayal of their companionship was a visual delight. The piece concluded with a beautiful oonjal (swing) sequence, rendering a sense of serenity and happiness.
. Additionally, Reddy’s intricate depiction of episodes from the Vamana avatar and the mythical churning of the ocean (Amritmanthan) in her Kuchipudi style enriched the performance.
A nayika’s (heroine’s) yearning for her lord after their separation offers dancers vast scope to explore and portray deep emotions. Anupama Kylash’s exquisite mukhabinaya, or facial expressions, captured this essence brilliantly. Her visualization, with imagery of a wilting lotus and the rhythmic comparison between a heartbeat and the sound of a bird’s fluttering wings, created some highly memorable moments.
Spectacular in a colorful costume, Sathyanarayana Raju transformed into the sakhi (female friend) carrying messages from Alamelumanga to Venkateshwara. His portrayal was so graceful and engrossing that it momentarily made audiences forget it was a male dancer on stage. His nuanced and eloquent performance underscored the universal emotions conveyed through Annamacharya’s compositions.
The union of the lord and his consort was beautifully represented by Ananda Shankar Jayant through an exploration of the six seasons in the composition ‘Kaalamularunu’ set in raga Vasantha. Each season’s distinct features and the changing landscapes were dynamically rendered, reflecting Jayant’s expertise in creative choreography and her ability to evoke the essence of nature through dance.
Culminating the evening on a philosophical note, Sharmila Biswas presented the composition ‘Aatavaari Guditawara’ in raga Kedaragowla, focusing on the profound idea that every human is but a puppet in the hands of the supreme. Her intense portrayal deeply resonated with the audience, leaving a lasting impression.
The challenge of curating a dance presentation devoid of nritta, or pure dance movements, was met with impressive skill and creativity. It was the experience and command over abhinaya, the expressive aspect of Indian classical dance, displayed by the seven senior artistes that sustained audience interest throughout the evening.
Through their collective efforts, each dancer not only celebrated Annamacharya’s timeless compositions but also contributed to the perpetuation of his legacy. ‘Tamrapatra Live’ was more than a performance; it was a heartfelt homage, a celebration of artistic brilliance, and a testament to the enduring power of emotional expression in Indian classical dance.
