Allotment of land to school
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Tribune News Service

Theatre fest begins with Punjabi play
S.D. Sharma

Chandigarh, November 11
The second Chandigarh Theatre Festival, organised by the Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi in association with the Punjab Arts Council, commenced with the staging of a Punjabi play ‘Anhi Gali Da Mour’ at the Randhawa auditorium of Punjab Kala Bhavan here today.

The play, written and directed on drug abuse by thespian Dr Sahib Singh for the Adakar Manch, however, left much to be desired at times turning blind to the theatrical norms. While the play had a socially relevant theme, the absolute raw treatment with a focus on the avoidable vulgar and obscene acts on the stage marred the noble contemplation.

The play juxtaposed the turbulent life a young drug addict and the tormented psyche of his caring widow mother, who is impelled by the horrendous circumstances to kill his son in a fit of anger. Instead of being suggestive, the director seemed to have augmented the tragic stances to build a climax of bringing round his view point. As the play progressed, it drifted away from the pulse and realities of the urban life with diametric variance to the extent that educated mother never approached for medical assistance for his sick and durg addict son. Neither did she make any effort to win back her estranged daughter who eloped with a drug addict affluent person and a family friend.

In fact, Bernard Shaw once opined, “The idealists, instead of facing facts or realising future possibilities, merely blinded men to the horrid realities of life," which seemingly sums up the director's concept of the play.

However, the brilliant acting spells by Rajinder Rosy and Harish Verma kept the audience glued to their seats. Dr Kumar Verma and Anita Shabdeesh honoured the artistes.

Bharatnatyam code needs to be softened: Priya
S.D. Sharma

Chandigarh, November 11
Of all forms of performing arts, dance is regarded as the most ancient and majestic in the world, maintains globe-trotting Bharatnatyam danseuse Priya Venkataraman. “During my 12 years of teaching and practising the oldest Indian classical dance form at my institute, Kalakriti, Rock Ford, Chicago, USA, I have found American or Indian art lovers equally enamoured with the compelling charm of Bharatnatyam,” she adds.

In the city on an invitation of Pracheen Kala Kendra for a performance, she shared her views with The Tribune today on the preservation and propagation of this rich cultural heritage.

Priya says every art form, before it approaches the verge of extinction, must be enriched from other compatible resources, say through the medium of fusion, remix or allied ventures with major ingredients of our tradition. Same is true of Bharatnatyam with its rigid code of conduct and conventions, which need to be softened for its promotion.

Recalling her collaborative ventures with US-based dancer Sandra Schramel and Jazz musician Byron Wise, like “Eyes Beneath the Night”, she says she and Bharatnatyam got immense popularity abroad. Her earlier productions like Ramayana, Shakuntlam and Nritayanjali were well acknowledged.

With the passage of time, the alien influences are bound to make their impact, in the wrong or right perspective.

For that matter the contemporary form of Bharatnatyam can be termed as a “fusion” compared with its original form 2800 years ago.

In fact, gurus have contributed to this art with their own creative and innovative ventures from time to time.

Initiated into Bhartanatyam at a tender age of seven, Delhi-born Priya was trained initially under legendary Saroja Vaidyanathan for 10 years.

She honed her dance skills in the Kalakshetra style under the training of Leela Samson and later Kanaka Srinivasan, the foremost exponent of Thanjavur style.

As an empanelled artist of the ICCR, Priya has performed at leading classical dance festivals in India and abroad.

In the USA, there are no financial constraints for art productions and solo or group shows while the lack of patronage and jobs for young takers of any classical stream are a matter of concern for society and the governance there, she adds.

Bharatnatyam danseuse holds audience spellbound
Our Correspondent

Chandigarh, November 11
A striking stage presence, an expressive abhinaya and an adroit control over rhythmic footwork remained the salient features of the Bharatnatyam dance recital held at Pracheen Kala Kendra here today.

The performance came from well known danseuse Priya Venkataraman, who is back from the USA after 12 years of teaching and performing stint.

The danseuse began her recital with Pushpanjali. She displayed her mastery in yet another salutation to Lord Rama in ‘Samaja Vara Gamana’, a classic from saint poet Tyagaraja. Next composition 'Bhajaman Ram Charan Sukh Daayee’ in raga Sindhu Bhairavi was well received.

She then moved on to present a javali in Telgu before rendering devotional ‘Om Namo Narayana’. She concluded with a lively tillana, a pure dance piece with fast rhythmic footwork and sculpture poses, followed by mangalam, as a gratitude to the Lord, guru and audience.

M.M. Sharma, regional director, ICCR, and M.L. Koser, registrar of the kendra, honoured the artiste.

City firm to produce 3D animation film
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 11
Chandigarh-based media and entertainment company Compact Disc India Ltd (CDI) has secured one of the largest animations film outsourcing contract worth $19.80 million. The deal has been signed with iMedia Ventures Ltd. They plan to animate a sci-fi-cum-thriller titled ‘3000 BC’. International actors will lend their voices for the movie.

3000 BC, revolves around the journey of a traveller, who travels from the ancient period i.e. - 3000 BC to the modern era i.e. 2052 AD. CDI plans to complete this 3D animation film within 21 months at their state-of-the-art studio which is being set up at KINFRA SEZ, Trivandrum. Commenting on the project, Gautam Seengal, managing director, CDI, said, “This is a significant milestone for CDI and an important feat for the Indian animation industry. This partnership with iMedia Ventures Ltd reflects confidence in CDI’s ability to co-produce an animated film worth $19.80 million.” 

Cultural bonanza at Leisure Valley
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 11
The Kumaon Sabha today organised a cultural extravaganza at Leisure Valley, Sector 10, to celebrate Uttarakhand divas. The folk art performance by artistes cast a spell on the audience.

The programme commenced after the animal husbandry and agriculture minister of Uttarakhand lighted a lamp to formally launch the event. He praised the initiative taken by the Kumaon Sabha.