Collaborative jugalbandis aren’t new to classical platforms, they have been held for many years. So are the artistic exercises with music and dance that have evolved simultaneously from times of yore.
However, we do not see such innovative shows frequently in our programming in both the platforms. So when one hears of Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam coming together to share a common platform, it’s the curiosity that gets the better of you.
“The formula and approach of Carnatic music weaved as an integral part of Bharatanatyam by itself makes for a fascinating study,” says Carnatic vocalist Aruna Sairam, who along with Bharatanatyam exponent Malavika Sarukkai will perform for each other in ‘Sammohanam’ in the city.
The perceptible differences in approach are streamlined to cater for a common flow, she says. While the ‘first step’ for the collaboration seemed easy as the two were familiar with each other’s art forms, the nearly 10-month exercise had them ideating for the intriguing finer details of the package to be in place. “My sangatis in Carnatic are meandered meaningfully for Malavika to emote, we will tread on our individual domains,” explains Aruna.
“When music and dance share common spaces of creativity, it’s the imagination or the manodharma that comes into play,” says Malavika Sarukkai. “To see this shared vision and even visualise the converge coming through, it took us many rounds of talks followed by rehearsals. ‘Sammohanam’ to be presented in 90 minutes elaborates the myth of Lord Krishna as the theme, she says. It has love poetry, the description of the outer spaces of Brindavan, Radha’s shrungar , the mystery of Meera seeking Krishna in a judicious mix of pure dance and abhinaya, says Malavika. “The production is fluid and supple and there would be portions where we spontaneously respond to an evolving sangati or a step.”
Be it structured pieces, extemporised portions of music and movement, exuberant energetic items or inward looking, contemplative numbers, be sure that you can be drawn towards a visual and melodic narrative brought through in several items, including the Gita Govinda , Meera’s song, and the Abhang.
