Madurai R. Muralidharan loves to experiment. The Bharatanatyam dancer-choreographer seems to be pushing his creative limits to new heights with his latest production, 'Sense Beyond.'
Presented by Kalalaya-USA, NDA and Subasheela Academy of Fine Arts, ‘Sense Beyond' is a concept that is inspired by the Broadway musicals that Muralidharan watched during his trips to New York. “Watching long-running shows such as ‘Chicago,' ‘Beauty and The Beast' and ‘Les Misérables' set me thinking. These shows run for years and years, and to packed halls. In India, despite the abundant talent and so many ancient art forms, ventures here hardly find takers. Getting a full house just for one show is an uphill task here.” That's how ‘Sense Beyond' was born.
While the talented dancer, who runs Nrithyakshethra Dance Academy, has composed the music and penned the lyric, wife Chithra Muralidharan gets the credit for choreography. Muralidharan has moved away from myth and folklore written a story revolving round Yadhav, an orphan, whose only desire is to learn dance. “Yadhav traverses the land in search of his goal, meets people who practise various dance styles and finds his calling in Bharatanatyam. There's an element of mystique, plenty of humour and interesting dance segments.”
Unity in diversity
To lend a sense of universality to the theme, the dancer has brought together different dance forms of India. “This creative outing will see 50 dancers of Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, Odissi, Mohiniyattom and Kathakali come together under one platform.”
A highlight will be Muralidharan's unique look and make-up. “I have created a new look for the character of Yadhav. He is a heavy man and this meant designing a special costume and going in for special make-up.” Make-up artist Murugan and his assistants will help Muralidharan in this endeavour. “I am a great fan of Kamal Hassan, and his make-up in ‘Avvai Shanmugi' provided a template for my look for Yadhav.”
‘Sense Beyond' may have proved to be a challenge for Muralidharan, who enjoys every bit of it. “I hope the audience too appreciates the effort that has gone into making it,” he says.
‘Sense Beyond' premieres this evening (May 6), 6.30 p.m., at Narada Gana Sabha, Alwarpet. For tickets contact, Narada Gana Sabha at 24993201 or 98406 39707.
