A moving eulogy

The slight crease of the brow,the red alta,the sound of the ghungroo and the dholak's thap.

The Concert in Tribute,a dedication to Odissi legend Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra,is a classical dance performance entwined with present day sensibilities

The slight crease of the brow,the red alta,the sound of the ghungroo and the dholak’s thap. For a dancer’s world,these are eternal beyond the constraints of life. As the artist meanders through the most dynamic of expressions from the pangs of losing to the joy beyond exhilaration,it ropes in the subtleties of life along. In the intricate dimensions of art perhaps stories are weaved and feelings evolved. As a sign of a similar reminiscence to life,Kathak and Odissi danseuse Yogini Gandhi is presenting the sixth edition of the annual concert titled,’Concert in Tribute’,to commemorate the birth anniversary of the legendary Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra. Being held at the Chandrashekhar Auditorium,IUCAA on January 8,the concert also will get national level Odissi dancers to Pune. Shares Gandhi,This concert has always been special for all of us. It is a humble tribute to Guruji from his disciples. It also serves as an opportunity to promote Odissi,which has a lesser exposure in the city.

This year,the concert is being brought out as an collaborative attempt by Kalanidhi and Heritage India to present a unique Odissi dance ballet ‘Geet Govind’. The ballet has been directed by Menaka Thakkar from the Menaka Thakkar Dance Company,Canada. The ‘Geet Govind’,which was composed by poet Jaydev in the 12th century,describes the relationship between Krishna and the gopis of Vrindavan,particularly Radha. Acting as a precursor to the development of the Bhakti tradition,the Geet Govinda was a popular compilation written in Sanskrit and has been used widely in Indian classical dances. Taking inspiration from the same,the concert beautifully weaves the commentary of Geet Govinda in English with the Odissi dance performance and puts in a spectacular show forword. The lead performance will be played by critically acclaimed Oddisi danseuse Sujata Mohapatra,disciple,daughter-in-law of Guruji. Mohapatra has earlier performed in the city at the Sawai Gandharava Mahotsav,Shaniwarwada dance festival and the Concert in Tribute in 2010.

Another interesting feature of the programme is the multimedia production which will have beautiful Kangra paintings depicting the various ashtapadis as a backdrop of the entire ballet. The detailed English commentary that will run through the performance will take the audience through the various episodes of the poem. The dance also includes artistes from both India and Canada. The ballet entwines the classical content with modern sensibilities. I think what is different for this performance is the way the commentary is weaved within the dance. It also has used light designs in a beautiful manner, adds Gandhi.

The concert will be held at Chandrashekhar Auditorium,IUCAA,on January 8,2011 from 6pm to 8.30 pm. Complimentary passes can be obtained from IUCAA.

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A moving eulogy

The slight crease of the brow,the red alta,the sound of the ghungroo and the dholak's thap.

The slight crease of the brow,the red alta,the sound of the ghungroo and the dholak's thap.