The month of Margazhi is turning out to be quite a star-studded one this year as Bala Devi Chandrasekhar brings “Padmavati – an avatar” to Chennai. This captivating performance will be held at three venues; Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Kilpauk on 21st December, Karthik Fine Arts on 30th December and Krishna Gana Sabha on 2nd December.
“Padmavati- an avatar” is a solo operatic thematic production of a temple dancer, who is the center of attraction in the immortal classic “Gita Govindam” by poet Jayadeva. Sringara Rasa, is the sensual thread of this love poem that is woven around Padmavati and Jayadeva. Whilst the union of Padmavati and Jayadeva is highly sublime and is held in high esteem and adoration by many, this presentation is juxtaposed with the amorous intimacy of Lord Krishna and Radha.
The performance is woven into four acts, SALOKYAM – being in His world, SAROOPYAM- taking His form, SAMEEPYAM – approaching Him and finally SAYUJYAM – becoming one with the beloved. This production is a beautiful lyrical dance-drama laced with romance. It is based on the theme “Vipralambha Sringara” – anguish in separation, and the joy in the union of the divine couple Radha and Lord Krishna.
The poet, Jayadeva Kavi, belonged to the 12th was considered as an avatar of Lord Krishna, Padmavati, and Mahalakshmi. Padmavati an exceptional temple dancer, was the main inspiration for Jayadeva’s hymns. The Gita Govindam is a poem of 12 chapters or Sargas comprising 24 Astapadhis or hymns. The theme closely follows “Rasakreeda – Ronde dance”.
“Padmavati- an avatar” culminates the grandeur of the divine journey of the Lord, the Rath yatra at the temple of Puri Jagannath with cultural convergence of festivities, playing devotional songs, drums, tambourines, and trumpets.
Conceptualized, researched and choreographed by Bharatanatyam exponent and scholar Bala Devi Chandrashekar, the performance is compiled by Shri Kovai Janakirama Bhagavathar and Brahmashri N Neela Bala Sharma. The lyrics are written by Dr S Umapathi Shiromani complimented by Rajkumar Bharathi’s musical composition. The music was recorded, mixed and mastered by Sai Shravanam, Resound India.
Date and Venue:
21st December 2019 – Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Kilpauk, 7 pm (ENTRY FREE)
30th December 2019 – Kartik Fine Arts, 7.30 pm (TICKETS AVAILABLE AT VENUE AND ON BOOK MY SHOW)
2nd January 2019 – Krishna Gana Sabha, 6.30 pm (TICKETS AVAILABLE AT VENUE AND ON BOOK MY SHOW)
