The word ‘Enemy’ has a strong negative connotation and often associated with external factors and people around us, but most of us fail to look at the enemy that resides within each one of us. To focus attention on this aspect, Dr. Ambika Kameshwar directed a multi-media presentation of Indian dance theatre titled ‘Ethiri - The Enemy Within’ as a silver jubilee offering of the Rasa Centre for Theatre Arts and Special Needs (RASA).
The show was structured in a harikatha format with film clippings of a storytelling session by differently-abled children interspersed with live dance theatre by nearly 200 artists from various schools. Various characters and stories from the Puranas and folklore were used to highlight negative emotions --Tulsidas was for intense passion, Vishwamitra for anger and Indra for jealousy…
It was a moving experience to see the children perform without any stumbling block and more important, enjoy the whole experience. The girls who danced Odissi for the bhajan ‘Sri Ramachandra Kripalu Bhajamana’ for the Tulsidas story, had good coordination. Similarly, the footwork and stances of Mohiniyattom was noteworthy. The use of appropriate props to suit each story was an added dimension and the snake bed of Lord Vishnu was beautifully executed. To portray these negative emotions, a dancer draped in black would arrive as a physical representation, an alter ego of negativity at appropriate moments in each story, to communicate the idea effectively to the children
It is indeed commendable that a production of this magnitude and nature – working with 200 special children -- was accomplished effectively. Kudos to the large number of committed volunteers, parents and teachers who worked tirelessly and sincerely. The motivational spirit of Ambika Kameshwar deserves special mention. Her commitment for this cause is admirable.
This show also drew attention to yet another ‘enemy’ that resides in most of us -- looking at endeavors of people with special needs with an air of superiority or indifference or even sympathy. What is needed is understanding and empathy. Only then will presentations such as this one become more meaningful.
