Nritya Kinnera’s 28th anniversary held at Ravindra Bharati, last week, brought out surprise elements under curious title ‘Shodasa Krishnam’ — not to be mistaken as of phases of moon in Sukla Paksham, but applying to Lord Krishna recalling his deeds and adventures as described in 16 compositions written by poets and sages. Noted Kuchipudi exponent and guru Usha Gayatri conceived this theme in Kuchipudi style. Usha had gone through various texts and picked up these compositions, written by poets from Annamayya down to Balamurali.
Her show began with Oothukadu Venkata Subbaiyer’s Swagatham Krishna a rightly chosen number, presented by Kuchipudi artistes often. It is indeed a big task for the artiste first to do research to select 16 apt compositions. The essential feature was the way Usha choreographed these numbers and translated them into her performance with authenticity, never forgetting the needed footwork on occasions. She had to perform many characters that occur in different themes which she did well.
Gandhamu PooyarugaItti Mudduladu Usha was at her best in presenting all the numbers applying her heart and soul.
The supporting ensemble was led by nattuvanar Pasumarthy Seshubabu and vocalist Srivalli Sarma. This live concert was supported by Sridharacharya on mridangam, Kolanka Anil Kumar on violin, Venkatesh on flute, Rayaprolu Sudhakar on veena and Srikanth providing effects besides providing additional rhythm on tabla. All the compositions were set in aptly rendered Carnatic ragas. Surabhi Kesavram did a good job in changing costumes of the main artiste Usha Gayatri suiting the current theme of the song. The entire instrumentalists are all known Carnatic musicians.
