Kanchipuram recently witnessed a dance presentation based on the Tamil couplets, Thirukkural. The programme was conceived by M. Rajaram, former IAS officer. Choreographed and directed by actor Sudha Swarnalakshmi, the 90-minute dance-drama, ‘Kural Amuthu – Aayirathil Oruvan,’ was interlaced with verses on friendship, love, gratitude, virtue, valour and good governance.
The play commenced with the birth of the hero, his adventurous childhood, finding love, deciding to uphold duty over love to become a revered hero by revealing the relevance of Thirukkural at each stage.
The dance-drama had a blend of classical and folk dances. The presentation had all the elements, comedy, suspense, scintillating music and dance. The huge electronic screen in the background, displaying scenes appropriate to the verses, added to the visual delight.
The flipside was, the pre-recorded music in digital surround sound format with special effects marred the effect of the Tamil couplets, making them less audible for the audience at several instances.
