Jointly presented by Bharathaa Arts and CHETHAS
At Esplanade Theatre Studio
13th July 20025 Sunday 3pm
Seated at second row in a fully packed audience the show started of with a Mallari in variegated speeds as dancers decked in ornate traditional costumes and stylized intricated hairdo, with lively formations and expressive dance sequences to weave in Tamil literary works befitting the thematic production. Bringing Tamil to Theatre was mooted ably, conceptualized and choreographed by the popularly known Kesavan sisters from Bharathaa Arts, Smt Suganthi Kumaraguru and Smt Jayanthi Balasubramaniam, breathed details of mainstream Bharathanatyam. Co-choreographed and collaborated with CHETHAS, its artistic director Smt Vaishnavi Anand’s integral input in music to revisit ancient Tamil literary works.
Portrayal of unique ragas (melodies) caught the listeners the Sangam poetry’s auspiciousness to emote by composer Smt Vaishnavi Anand, intricate jathi (rhythmic patterns) intertwined in her impressive compositions, juxtaposing dance and music for everyone to enjoy this show.
With the mission to spread the awareness of Tamil language in past, present and near future is their motive in this unique production. In-between to add on a humorous flavor was the narrator Ms Udaya Soundari whose sense of humor added on to a celebrated sequel in this production.
The art of folk music and dance using ‘Poi Kaal Kuthirei’ (horse with fake legs), Karagam (decorated water pots), peacocks displaying their pretty feathers was a sheer delight in totality had a purpose of transmitting the Pann Isai (ancient Tamil music). The production saw simple yet refined lighting.
Not forgetting the past history of the Tamil laurels who brought this framework of Tamil to Singapore, in equivalent slide projections of sketches and drawings, brought “Resonance of Tamil” in a purely local representation to a betterment understanding of Tamil and its culture to importance of this modern era.
As the show ended with a vibrant Thillana, I had to compliment and commend on this lovely and colorful production to the various artistes involved, before rushing off to my scheduled show at Gateway theatre.
Musically yours,
Dr Ghanavenothan Retnam
Composer & Music Director
Bhaskar’s Arts Academy,
Singapore
Photos by Mr.Lijesh