Dance drama mesmerises audience

SD Sharma

Chandigarh, April 16

The four-day festival of classical music and dance, ‘Jhankar’, organised by the Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi opened to a majestic start with thrilling classical dance drama, ‘Atirathis’.

The drama was based on epic Mahabharata — the mammoth story of affection, envy, revenge and political conspiracy — at Tagore Theatre here on Monday.

Presented by Anveshna dance ensemble, Delhi, choreographed by dance guru Sangeeta Sharma, the electrifying performance was a blend of dance forms which brought to life the anguish, regrets and the tormented psyche of the valiant half brothers from the epic — Karan and Arjun — and their mother Kunti.

The well designed light and sound effects augmented swift and moves, revengeful gestures and mudras which reflected the benevolence, gallantry and adroit mastery of war fare.

Leading the actors created a magical spell on the stage.

Chief guest Suchitra Mitra honoured the artists as danseuse Charu Handa anchored the show. Both CSNA Chairman Kamala Arora and performer Sangeeta Sharma lamented the low audience footfall at the dance spectacle.