The Channa-Upuli Performing Arts Foundation, a dance institute that has gained major momentum over the recent years, presented Thala 2012. I will be honest; being a dancer myself, I know shockingly little about the oriental dance tradition.
I began my dance career at the wee age of 3 with classical ballet and then proceeded to explore various sub-genres including contemporary, free-style, street jazz, tap and hip-hop. Somehow I never had the chance of learning oriental dance - which is a crying shame really! So when my friend asked me to join him for an evening of oriental dance, I was thrilled to say the least!
Upon entering the theatre I was almost SICK with anticipation. I had heard good reviews about the stage and how spectacular the set designs could get. We sat for a rather long time; I noticed the show was running half an hour behind schedule – typical Sri Lankan tardiness. Eventually, the lights were dimmed and the curtains drawn.
The first act was called ‘A Celestial Overture’, which began with beautiful maidens clothed in pure white, serenely swaying to the music whilst presenting incense sticks and lotus flowers as an offering to the Gods. A lone spotlight hits the stage as the centre opens up, and a richly adorned deity emerges from the bottom of the stage, sitting amidst the petals of a lotus flower. As the maidens worship this divine being, my attention suddenly swings up towards the ceiling. Eight godlike deities begin dancing, suspended midair. A chill creeps up my spine as I watch the entire stage transform into what seems like a scene out of the Mahavamsa. It is then that I realize, whilst every performance that I have been a part of has always had a certain ‘theme’, none really told a story quite like what was unfolding before my eyes.
I watched enthralled as each performance related the most beautiful story. My favourite act of the evening was definitely ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, where a pearl maiden retells the story of how Sri Lanka’s rich culture and civilization was first introduced to the island. The colourful performance included Queen Kuveni, (Sri Lanka’s first historically recorded queen) Kandyan dancers and Kathakali dancers. With the ever-present rhythmic drum beats and symphonic melodies spiraling into a crescendo the dancers stealthily moved across the stage in complete unison. Each story was not simply related through the dancers movements but also emoted through their eyes- be it anger, love, fear or sorrow they wished to portray, I was could truly empathize with each dancers emotional journey.
As a dancer, what impressed me the most was the intricate footwork punctuated with the tinkling bells of the dancers’ brass anklets throughout all the performances. I found myself perched on the edge of my seat watching in horror, as the many taut bodies balanced in backbreaking positions for what seemed like an eternity! With every melodious tune, every leap and graceful turn, I found myself enthralled with this form of dance and its deep-rooted traditions.
This evening was not simply an evening of dance but an educational and spiritual adventure.
No comments:
Post a Comment