Classical dance fest concludes

SD Sharma

Chandigarh, August 12

The three-day classical and contemporary dance festival organised by the North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC), Patiala, concluded with the presentation of theme based bharatanatyam dance composition ‘Namamey Gange’ by 16 dancers, including three foreign nationals of Ganesa Natyalya, New Delhi, at Tagore Theatre here on Sunday. 

Designed, choreographed and directed by Guru Dr Saroja Vaidyanathan, the presentation, though structured in mythological set up, brought into focus certain significant contemporary issues of the socio-cultural and national relevance without compromising on the austerity and dignity that governs the bharatanatyam dance form.

The composition depicted mythological aspect on how and why the Ganga had been worshipped since the ages for being part of our religious and cultural lifeline, besides the use of her waters as a source of irrigation.

These concepts were illustrated through dance movements, various mudras and choreographic innovations by dancers. They described the mythological view on how the waters of the Ganga spurted out of the sacred pot in the heavens when Lord Vishnu’s nail struck it during his ‘vamana avatar’. 

Exploring the contemporary relevance of the river in the present times, the presentation depicts how man has polluted the river and the role of the government in making efforts to clean the river.

NZCC director Dr Saubhagya Vardhan expressed gratitude to artistes and audience.

Play depicts matrimonial ad in newspaper

Celebrating their 20th year in successful contribution to the theatrical arts, the Roopak Kala and welfare society staged their prestigious play ‘matrimonial’ in collaboration with the Punjab Arts Council and Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi at Randhawa auditorium on Sunday. 

Written by Mohinder Risham and directed by Sangeeta Gupta, the play ‘matrimonial’, as the title suggests, pertained to an advertisement in a newspaper by a prospective bride with two major demands.