A unique Bharatanatyam symposium is coming to the city on April 3 and 4. First, it is on the ‘Natyashastra’ by Bharata Muni, a 500 BC treatise, popular among academicians and dancers and the scope and applicability of which remain underexplored.
Then, it allows senior art practitioners and researchers to compile their understanding of the topics discussed. This would later be considered for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Also, for enthusiasts, several masterclasses are being held, beginning on March 31.
Applied Natyashastra, the topic to be explored at the symposium titled ‘Sutra to Soul’, is a peek into the world of the treatise that has mystic origins. Through 36 chapters and 6,000 verses, it describes performing arts and allied techniques, such as the design, stage dynamics, emotive genres, body movements, costumes, musical scales and instruments, etc.
In short, it is an encyclopaedia on art, and UNESCO recently added the text to the Memory of the World Register.
“We still study the Natyashastra as part of our Sanskrit or Malayalam studies. While studying art, its scope is much bigger. To understand that, we need to know how art was practised before the treatise was compiled,” says Alakananda Unnithan of Astikya Foundation, the organiser of the symposium.
And researchers will explain how the art was practised before the structures were put forth. “These will try to explain how we have come a long way through the ages of stalwart musicians and even recent ones like Dr M Balamuralikrishna (who is credited for gifting three ragas to the Carnatic stream) till now, when every day, something new is coming up,” says Alakananda.
Natyashashtra’s insights are the outcome of understanding the rhythm of nature, she says. “Natyashashtra records this, after deep, intuitive observance of nature and life.” The symposium will also bring the interdisciplinary nature of art to the fore.
“When people talk about Natyashastra, mostly it’s some Sanskrit chants that would be in focus. Or it is about karanas or the dance poses. But in reality, it touches upon every aspect of life. For example, folklore, which is explained in Natyashastra as being part of the Dasharoopakas. The treatise also defines what a performing arena is, its dynamics, the literature used, regional nuances of literature, and the way all these are linked to value structures…it is that interdisciplinary,” Alakanada explains.
Astikya Foundation, which began as an educational platform, is now a city- and Bengaluru-based transitional living centre that also studies the role of art in healing. “We are into the research of Natyashashtra and how it can be made familiar to people who may have forgotten the link between art and life.”
One of the interesting discussions included in the symposium is art education. “We will put forth an art practise policy and select a three-member team that will take it to the policy makers.”
Art shouldn’t be seen as an extracurricular activity, she says, but it can be a tool that can bring about individual and social development. “All these will be part of the policy suggestions,” says Alakananda, adding that a Margi Sathi remembrance session would also be part of the symposium.
“Our message through this symposium is a reminder that life is an art, the nuances of which remain dormant in our biology. It is this art that Natyashastra has studied,” smiles Alakananda.