Press Release
The 4 day ‘Katha
Ballet’ Festival began at Jawahar Kala Kendra with ‘Aaradhya’ Performance by
Rachana Yadav from Delhi. Based on the Lucknow Gharana of Kathak, the
dance performance attempted to portray the different characters of prominent
Hindu gods – Shiva, Ganesh, Durga and Krishna — through different
‘laya’. The distinct character, appearance and symbolism of the Gods were
depicted through the choreography.
While the slow and steady gait of Ganesha was presented through Ganesh
Stuti in ‘Vilambit Laya’. Durga’s dual nature of beauty and rage, softness and
strength was brought alive through ‘Durga Ashtakam’ in ‘Madhyalaya’. Similarly,
Krishna’s playfulness was choreographed through ‘Dhrutlaya’ in Raag Mishr. The programme
concluded with Shiv Stuti in ‘Atidhrut Laya which characterized Shiva’s fury
and strength.
The performers in the programme were Shweta Mishra and Niti Jain. The
accompanying artistes included Nishit Gangani on Tabla, Mahaveer Gangani
on Pakhawaj and Padant, Vinod Gangani on vocals and Umashankar PD on
Sitar. The costume design was by Rachana Yadav and light arrangements by
Sandeep Dutta
In the forthcoming days, there will be performances of ‘Meera’ by Harish Gangani from Delhi on 2 December, ‘Namami Gange’ by Dr. Kavita Thakur from Delhi on 3 December and ‘Jayati Keshavam’ by Dr. Shashi Sankhla from Jaipur on 4 December.