That guru Adyar K. Lakshman excelled in moulding his disciples, who have turned into fine artistes charting their individual paths, was again evident in the tribute performance ‘Nrityopacaram’ dedicated to him by his senior disciple Roja Kannan. She had made it part of the celebration of 30 years of her dance school, Bharatha Natyalaya. Roja presented a Margam featuring the choreographies of her guru at Narada Gana Sabha.
Roja began with the invocatory composition, ‘Nandi Chol,’ choreographed by her guru and Trichur P. Ramanathan. She successfully adapted this solo piece to suit a group presentation. An Abhogi raga Jatiswaram in Rupaka talam and ragamalika Shabdam in Mishra Chapu talam were noteworthy with good co-ordination among the dancers.
The highlight was Roja’s rendition of the Papanasan Sivan’s varnam, ‘Swami Naan Undan Adimai ‘ in Nattakurinji. The sthayi bhava of bhakti was maintained by the dancer as she explored different narratives such as the Kaliya Nayanar episode.
The story of Nandanar, which was taken up for sanchari, was elevated to a philosophical plane through her expressive skills. Beautiful postures of Nataraja (for the lines ‘Nadanam aadum’), the detailed depiction of puja rituals, poignant portrayal of Kaliya Nayanar’s story and the anguish of a devotee seeking salvation were some of the highpoints of Roja’s abhinaya. The short, crisp jatikorvais brought back memories of choreography of the early days when jatis were powerful rhythmic interludes and not a long-drawn show of virtuosity and an exercise that covered the entire stage as seen in recent times. The lengthy varnam needed stamina and Roja’s strong foundation enabled her to sail through with finesse, which was enhanced by mature abhinaya.
Expressive face
‘Indendu Vachitivira’ a Kshetrayya padam depicting a nayika berating her lord for knocking at the wrong door, after his wayward ways with other women, was presented by Sharanya. Her expressive face and portrayal brought out the bhava with clarity.
A short group presentation of Skanda Leela, depicting Valli Thirumanam written by Ananda Kumar Sachidananda of Sri Lanka, ‘Ananda Nadamaduvar’ in Purvikalyani and a thillana composed by vidwan Madurai N. Krishnan were the other compositions presented.
The orchestral group contributed in no small measure to the success of the show. Radha Badri ( vocal), C.K. Gopinath ( nattuvangam), Nellai Kannan ( mridangam), Kalaiarasan ( violin), Sruti Sagar ( flute) and Lakshminarayanan ( tambuara) formed the ensemble. Umayalpuram K. Sivaraman, the chief guest, and the guests of honour Prof. Sudharani Raghupathy, Nandini Ramani and Anita Ratnam paid tributes to guru Adyar Lakshman.
