Darshanam Art Creations ‘Nava Narasimha’ blends mythology with movement

There is an instant connection between the art and the audience when a production seamlessly blends all the aesthetic elements. One such thematic dance production ‘Nava Narasimha’ presented by Darshanam Arts at the recent Narada Gana Sabha was one such.

The subject drew as much from spirituality and symbolism as folklore and history. Gorgeous sets, lighting designs, colorful costumes and a populist musical score added to its appeal. There was more in the form of well-choreographed movements that were performed in perfect synchronicity. As a result, the performance kept the audience hooked to the stage.

Conceived and curated by Asha Krishnakumar, the presentation, as the title suggests, focuses on the nine temples of Lord Narasimha at Ahobilam or Singvezkundram, one of the 108 Divyadesams located in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. Apart from the Sthala Purana of Lord Narasimha defeating Hiranyakashipu to protect Prahlad at Ahobilam, many other stories related to Hanuman, Shiva, Garuda unfold through dance and drama in this temple. Narasimha (Ahobileshwar) – Mahalakshmi (Chenchu ​​Lakshmi) marriage is also depicted in detail.

Dancers depicting the marriage of Ahobileshwar with Chechulakshmi. , photo credit: special arrangement

The pillared hall of the temple and the dense forest surrounding it formed a perfect backdrop. Malola Kannan’s fascinating description of the temple’s history, and his preface before each performance, made a dramatic impact in addition to tying together the dance sequences.

perfect synchronization

Eighteen girls of almost equal height and dressed in bright yellow presented a wreath. The synchronicity and precision with which he performed the inventive piece set the tone for the evening’s performance.

The story of Narasimha and Prahlad as envisioned by Garuda progressed at a brisk pace but the presentation was a little amateurish. So was the Hanuman-Rama sequence. But suddenly there was a burst of energy as nine Narasimha appeared together on stage, which is reminiscent of a scene from AP Nagarajan movie.

From the thematic production of Sridevi Nrithalay, ‘Nava Narasimha’, recently staged at Narada Gana Sabha, 2022. , photo credit: special arrangement

The students depicting the fiery and calm forms of the deity extracted the essence of the contrasting rasas through their coordinated movements.

The episode leading up to the Narasimha-Mahalaxmi marriage, which featured Telugu folk songs from the Chenchu ​​tribe, was a bit lengthy. Although well conceived, a little trimming would have heightened the appeal.

From the thematic production, “Nava Narasimha”, staged at Narada Gaba Sabha, 2022. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

The dance sequences stood out to us for their synchronized and clean entries and exits and interesting group formations. Sheela Unnikrishnan should be congratulated for her impeccable choreography, which featured 75 well-trained students of her Sridevi Nrityalay. The students on his part also impressed with his honesty.

Rajkumar Bharati’s musical score – the choice of ragas (nine ragas for nine forms) and rhythmic patterns – complemented the dance sequences.

An interesting idea was the little boy and girl in traditional costumes performing the shlokas of the Karavalamba Stotram as the prelude to each episode. The costumes and props for Narasimha, Garuda and Hanuman were well designed. The golden colored temple background (set by Shanmugam) could have been scaled down to make it more realistic. The lighting by Murugan effectively enhanced the choreography. Overall, ‘Nav Narasimha’ turns out to be a well-knit and enjoyable production.

The Chennai-based critic writes on classical dance.