A knowledge of the intricacies of Indian dance, performed by the Chitraleka Dance Company, is not essential to appreciate the consummate artistry of those involved in this fine production.
Artistic Director and performer Chitraleka Bolar, is one of the UK’s leading Indian dance artists and from the tip of her toes to her sinuous fingers, she manages to tell a story of epic proportions yet full of personal, human emotion.
Based on the legend of the fiery Princess Draupadi who has done all that is expected of her life but nothing for herself, the story told through the ancient Indian classical dance called Bharatanatyam.
Chitraleka herself is responsible for the concept and choreography in which she constantly varies the tempo in a series of short scenes.
Directed by Praveen D Rao, who is responsible for the script and original music score, it is performed by a blend of traditional and Western instrumentalists whilst the narrative is beautifully sung, in a mixture of Hindi, Sanskrit and English, by statuesque Pallavi Arun.
The staging sees the musicians seated on either side with the performance taking place centre stage during which a series of images are projected against cloth. There is a tendency to overuse this device during the battle scenes but this is a small complaint in an otherwise quality production.
Premiered at The Lowry, prior to a national tour, this fascinating performance is a delight from start to finish.
Production information can change over the run of the show.
Content is copyright © 2012 The Stage Media Company Limited unless otherwise stated.
All RSS feeds are published for personal, non-commercial use. (What’s RSS?)
