Date: 05
October 2014; Time: 04.00 pm
Venue:
Madhava Natya Bhumi (Ammannur Gurukulam), Irinjalakkuda, Thrissur Dt., Kerala.
Geethagovindam,
an enchanting Sanskrit poem written by Jayadeva, describes the love of Radha
and SreeKrishna. The interpretation of the poem as a whole is thought of as
representing the union of ‘mother nature’ with the ‘cosmic male’.
Natanakaisiki
is the Mohiniyattam gurukulam of Natanakairali, an institution founded by G
Venu with the idea of reviving and rejuvenating traditional art forms of Kerala.
Natanakaisiki is an initiative of Nirmala Paniker, wife of G Venu. They were
fortunate to obtain a 200 yr old manuscript called ‘Geethagovindam
Nrithyalakshana sahitham’ from Sarbhoji Mahal library in Tanjavur, Tamil Nadu.
Based on several years of study and discussions, Natanakairali decided to
choreograph this story through the medium of Mohiniyattam.
The music of
this saptham is a combination of Kerala Sopanam style, Carnatic music, Hindustani
music and instrumental interludes. The rare and unique hand gestures of
‘Geethagovindam Nrithyalakshana sahitham’ are integrated to the techniques of
present day Mohiniyattam and is presenting in this saptham.
The Saptham
- Geethagovindam
Godess Karthyayani
is being worshipped on the banks of the River Kalindi. Nandagopar has arrived
with little Krishna for the ritual. Here ‘Godess worship’ symbolizes the
worship of Mother Nature. Radha symbolizes nature. This leads to the
realization of God as an embodiment of ultimate truth, freedom, knowledge and
happiness. Jayadeva in Geethagovindam says that Krishna who walks with Radha
grows to a young man whose soul mate is Radha. Radha represents the individual
soul and Krishna, the immortal cosmic soul. Here the dance indicates the union
of the ‘individual soul’ with the ‘cosmic soul’. Through his lines Jayadeva
depicts the complexity and strength of relationships.
Guru Nirmala
Paniker, the choreographer
The research
and choreography of this Mohiniyattam Saptham is done by Guru Nirmala Paniker, an
eminent research scholar and exponent in Mohiniyattam. She has developed a
systematic methodology for teaching the hand gestures of hastalakshana deepika
in Mohiniyattam. Guru Nirmala Paniker, the choreographer and the author is a
recipient of several prestigious awards including the Senior Fellowship of the
Govt. of India and the Kerala Sahithya Academy Award. Her pioneer efforts in
the world of Mohiniyattam are remarkable.
The Team
Research
& Choreography : Guru Nirmala Paniker
Music
Composition : Kalamandalam Jayaprakash
Vocal : Neelamperoor
Suresh Kumar
Maddalam
(Percussion) : Kalanilayam Prakashan
Edakka(Percussion) :
Kalanilayam Ramakrishnan
Veena : Shri
Murali Krishna
Nattuvangam :
Guru Nirmala Paniker & Smt. Meenakshi Menon
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