CHENNAI: Revival and re-enactment of age-old classics have been one of the most significant facets of Indian dance-drama. The masters, in their own inimitable way, make classics come alive even after several centuries.
Sri Muthukrishan Swami Mission recently created magic by presenting a dance drama that was anchored by dance maestro Chitra Visweswaran.
The event was organised as a part of the 63 Nayanmar series, that divulged the life and times of Somasi-mara Nayanar. The recital was an in-house production of the Mission under its fine arts wing Lalitha Kala Mandir.
All the components of the choreography contributed towards nurturing one’s religious beliefs and the presentation of this art form revealed one of the greatest strengths of Maestro Chithra Visweswaran — that she gives the closest of attention to all aspects and intricate nuances while choreographing a particular dance-drama.
Somasi, who hails from Thiruambar, has a burning desire to perform Somayagnam regularly.
Later known as Maranar, he has a strong desire to obtain the darshan of Lord Shiva, which leads him to seek help from Saint Sundaramurthy, who is known for his Sakha Bhakhi (devotion as a friend) towards the god with the third eye.
Unable to meet Sundaramurthy Nayanar in person, Maranar decides to send fresh Thooduvalai regularly for him.
However, eventually, Maranar gets an opportunity to meet Sundaramurthy Nayanar, and expresses his desire (to get Lord Shiva’s darshan). The desire is conveyed to Lord Shiva, who arrives in the form of a tribal man with devi as his tribal woman, the four Vedas as dogs.
When Maranar finally recognises Lord Shiva in the tribal form and offers Poorna Ahudi (the final offering in the yagna) to him, he receives an accolade from the lord for his devotion and dedication.
No doubt, in these enchanting presentation of episodes, an existentialist angst with the rigor of classical structure was visualised and the total theatre, (with pre-recorded dialogues and music ) the acting and perfect lip sync of the participants, the lights and lyrical movements, indubitably added to the overall appeal.
Dance maestro Chitra Visweswaran needs to be appreciated as she set the direction, maintaining the delicate balance of lyrical flow, with consummate understanding of the nuances of this art form, making one enjoy the visual appeal.
