It's shaping up like a crescendo, with time running out for the logical fall that
completes it. The quality of events on successive nights at Shilparamam is upwardly
mobile. As the big day (the 31st) approaches, the performances seem to be getting
higher on energy, varied and numerous. This particular evening just had it all
- from social theater and folk arts (of Kerala and Madhya Pradesh) to an Andhra
Natyam performance.
The evening commenced with a skit staged by a group of concerned citizens of the Jubilee Hills. They raised slogans (looks like this is the new art form on the horizon) and also dramatized a message against the use of plastic and synthetic material. Of course, there was the exhortation to start using biodegradable material rather than toxic artificial stuff.
The group of male performers from Kerala changed the mood, from one of concern to a spirited, abstract one. 'Kalari Payattu' - a martial art form backed by the haunting sounds of 'Chanda' (drums) - amazed the audience with sheer discipline, balance and concentration on the part of the artistes. This vigorous performance was followed by a graceful domestic song and dance piece of Madhya Pradesh.
Over 14 women dancers and singers, backed by 8 men on percussion (all hailing
from Bundel Khand), performed their ritual and ethnic performances, ones of celebration
and sorrow, in a most colorful presentation. The chilly evening concluded with
the staging of Andhra Natyam, under the direction of Kala Krishna. Sarada
Reddy composed music for the presentation of yet another series of temple ritual
dances of Andhra Pradesh.
Though the evening was heavy on the audience who sat through it all, it was just perfect for the floating audience, which jumped from stall to stall and to the amphitheater, and again to another stall!