From the entry of Shiva with his consort Sati (also called Dakshayani for she is the daughter of Daksha), both seated on a crescent-shaped throne to Dakshayani taking rebirth as Parvathi to wed Shiva — the ballet ‘Shiva Satheeyam’ presented by dancer-guru Deepika Reddy and her disciples was a brilliant performance presented as a finale at SICA’s three-day dance fest.
The ballet’s script writer Vedantham Ramalinga Sastry added richness to the drama by penning some verses in pure chandassu (grammar), that went well for the Kuchipudi idiom.
The audience was transported to Kailasam to witness the scintillating dance of the celestial couple Shiva and Dakshayani. This piece brings to the fore the Tandava and Lasya aspects of dance immaculately performed by Deepika Reddy as Dakshayani and her disciple Mihira Pathuri Gundarpi as Shiva.
The episode continues with Narada who arrives on the scene and informs the celestial pair that Dakshayani’s father Daksha was set to perform a Yagna. He also informs them that he had invited all the Gods and Goddesses except his son-in-law Shiva. This infuriates Dakshayini and she sets out to confront her father, even as Shiva tries to convince her not to go. Dakshayini asks her father the reason why she and Shiva were not invited.
In presenting these scenes Deepika ensured that the grand, awe-inpiring entry of the devatas introducing themselves was in true Kuchipudi Yakshagana style.
The grandeur of the ‘Daksha Sabha’ where Daksha humiliates Dakshayani was very well enacted by Sudheer Rao and Salena Chowdri. Deepika Reddy was exceptional in the scene where Sati immolates herself, unable to bear Daksha’s abuse of Shiva.
The ensuing Rudra Tandavam of Shiva along with the Pramadha Ganas was performed with vigour. Surendranadh who portrayed the role of Veerabhadra danced with great energy.
In the second half, Deepika Reddy introduces Parvathi (none other than Sati reborn as Himavanth’s daughter) in the typical Kuchipudi Patra Pravesa Daruvu style, entering behind a tera (curtain). As the charming and dignified Parvathi, Deepika was grace personified.Rathi and Manmadha duet was sensuously performed by Gayathri Narne and Srinivas Sreya with statuesque poses. Shloka Reddy daughter disciple of Deepika Reddy, performed various roles and impressed with her spontaneous abhinaya and agility.The dance ballet ended with the vibrant and joyful wedding preparations and culminated with all the deities dancing and singing the praise of Lord Shiva and his consort Parvathi. D S V Sastry made a mark with his excellent music composition, melodies voice and clear rendition.
