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Guru Ratikant Mohapatra and his disciple perform at Rabindra Mandap in Bhubaneswar. Picture by Ashwinee Pati |
Bhubaneswar, Jan. 7: Odissi compositions by different institutions from all over the city received appreciation by aficionados at the dance programme organised by Nrutyangana.
The event held at the Rabindra Mandap auditorium on Thursday showcased various themes presented by the Odissi dancers.
Artistes from Odissi organisation Nrutyangana depicted the desperation of a love-struck Radha for her beloved Krishna.
The performance illustrated how Radha shares her grief and misery with her companions. Titled Birahini Radha the emotive sequence was choreographed by Subash Chandra Swain, chairman, Nrutyangana and composed by Keshab Raut.
The recital was followed by a number of renditions by Guru Ratikanta Mohapatra and his disciples from Srjan.
The dancers of Srjan first presented a Ganapati Vandana, a group recital. Later, Guru Ratikanta Mohapatra and disciple Bijaylaxmi performed the moving episode of Jatayu’s salvation from Ramayana.
Titled Jatayu Moksha, the dance drama was based on Sita’s abduction by Ravana and how Jatayu relentlessly tries to oppose it but gets killed by Ravana in the process.
Jatayu, however, held his life until he told the incident to Lord Rama. Guru Mohapatra performed both as Ravana and Jatayu while Bijayalaxmi was seen in the characters of Sita and later as Rama.
“Usually Odissi is performed on mythological tales based on Lord Jagannath or Lord Krishna. But this composition from Ramayana has always received a great response from the crowd,” said Mohapatra.
Artistes from Russia, Japan, America, France and Indian artistes from outside the state performed a unique choreography, Kirwani Pallavi, originally choreographed by legendary Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, composed by Pandit Bhubaneswar Mishra.
Trained at Srjan for the piece, the dancers presented the vibrant rendition on raga Kirwani and Tala Khemta.
“We were all delighted to have performed such a wonderful composition at this festival. It is a lifetime experience for all of us,” said danseuse Kazuko from Japan.
Students of the Guru Gangadhar Pradhan Foundation performed Shiva Panchaka. All the renditions received appreciation from the audience.
“We witnessed some beautiful choreographies that are not performed very often. It was a wonderful programme,” said Rajiv Lochan Senapati, a viewer.
The Nrutyangana Samman was presented to veteran danseuse Kumkum Mohanty on the occasion.