The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) presented, “Realizing Rama”, a contemporary dance, based on the epic Ramayana. The dance involved artists from 10 ASEAN member countries and was held on 6 November 2002 at the Chowdaiah Memorial Hall.
In 1997, the ASEAN committee on Culture and Information approved the implementation of a major project titled the “ASEAN Flagship Voyage: A performing Arts Tour Across ASEAN”. This arose out of a felt-need for integrated programs that would promote cultural awareness of ASEAN within and outside the region. The project gathered together nine leading artistes from the member countries who collaborated for over a year to produce this full-length production based on the Asian epic Ramayana.
Directed by Denisa Reyes, ‘Realizing Rama’ showcased the cultural kinship of South East Asia. The program was a great success and this was largely due to the harmonious collaboration between dancers, writers, choreographers, composers and lightning designers from different countries. Though the troupe of twenty-two had members from ten different Asian countries, they performed as an integrated and well knit unit. Credit must be given to the artistes who adapted to different and possibly unfamiliar dance-styles with a grace and skill that made their performances appear effortless.
Three cheers to the popular and amiable Regional Director of ICCR, Deepali Pal for providing us Bangaloreans an opportunity to witness such a unique and creative performance…….Hip-hip-Hurray!
SAMSKRUTI
“Samskruti” a Bharatnatyam institution headed by Satyanarayana Raju, conducted its annual dance festival on 2nd and 3rd January 2003 at A.D.A. Rangamandira. The highlight of the festival was the return of Nandini Alva to dancing after a gap of thirteen years. Padmini Ravi and Nandini Alva performed together on the theme based on the temple structures of Pattadakal. It was a treat to watch the duo in syncrony with utmost grace. The other performers at the festival were Madhu Natraj Heri, Hamsa Moily Toshnival and Odissi duo Uday and Sowmya Shetty.