CHENNAI: In an attempt to bring to light the sacredness of River Ganges and its role in India’s heritage, Revathi Ramachandran of Kala Sadhanalaya along with Swamini Pramananda prepared a stage presentation titled Jagat Pavani Ganga. The dance show this Saturday will also portray the dismal state of affairs with pollution creating havoc to this river.
“I have been working on this concept for a year and I am looking forward to the day when all my efforts will culminate in the stage performance,” says Revathi, the protégée of her guru Mangudi Dorairaja Iyer.
What’s special about this presentation? It is going to have dance, classical music, theatre (by Crea Shakthi) and shadow mime (by MacTrics). Talking about what the dance show will highlight, Revathi says, “Well, everyone knows about the Ganga. But we have also tried to give facts which we people could ponder on. She was the seat of knowledge, growth, food and the backbone of our country. Our focus will be more on pollution levels in Uttara Ganga (the starting point of Ganges) and its cultural background.” The glory of the river will be interpreted with ancient verses from Kumara Sambhava and Valmiki’s Ramayanam.
The river is known for acting as a catalyst for the agricultural and economic growth of the country, which will be expressed through Bharatanatyam by 12 dancers. “I am saddened by the state of the Ganges now. She’s being polluted and also being used for other purposes. We have taken so much from the river and have not given anything back; this might be the right time to do something about it,” she shares.
Conceptualising and interweaving different art forms together might have been a challenge, but the end result is gratifying, says Revathi. “How many of us know about the river Saraswathi? Only a mention in the Rig Veda points to its existence. If the pollution levels increase in Ganges, we might not have this river in the future,” she avers.
Bringing in the traditional Gadhwali music from the Ganges region, Lalgudi GJR Krishnan has composed music for the dance-music-drama and the production has been done by Sai Shravanam. “Lalgudi sir has managed to bring in the traditional music visually, which resonates with that of Ganges,” she explains.
A trip with her daughter to Utara Ganga and Gangotri paved the way for the duo to record their traditional dance and music, which will be recreated on stage.
Jagat Pavani Ganga will be staged on May 7 at Narada Gana Sabha. visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/248283102188052.