Katharine Kunhiraman too comes every year to attend the December festival. But unlike the pervious couple, Katharine and her husband K.P. Kunhiraman are citizens of Chennai in the sense that they have spent their formative years here. She learnt Bharatanatyam and Kathakali at Kalakshetra, and
Bharatanatyam for many years from the Dhananjayans, while veteran dancer Kunhiraman got trained at Kalakshetra and has played major roles in its productions. The couple who runs a dance school in California come every year to Chennai in December and attend many dance and music performances.
“The festival is spread out very much like a grand buffet, we come and graze,” says Katharine. “I’ve seen so many musicians come up in these past few years, it is amazing. But there is no distinct line between professional and amateur dancers. Those who have money buy a chance. It is difficult for an artist to live through their art. There is not enough importance placed on the technical aspects especially the acoustics.
Need for planning
The lighting is good but the banners put up by the sponsors detract from the aesthetics. And the previous performer gives you the stage only in time for you to jump on to it and start performing! And often, how the dust flies! All this stress can be eliminated through planning and proper execution. But the festival helps to recharge our batteries. And to witness what’s new and meet up with those who are dedicated. I see many more male dancers now than before. “But some members of the audience need manners, a few of them converse with their neighbours throughout the recital. And as for those who use the cell phone”… words fail her.
