An exciting new dance production, “Krisna Leela – The Divine Pastimes of Our Radiant Lord” celebrates in Bharat Natyam the playful pranks of one of Hinduism’s most revered deities, Lord Krishna.
Classical Bharat Natyam is an intricate and poetic dance form of rapid head, hand, eye and feet movements originating several thousand years ago in South India.
The production is under the artistic direction of the accomplished dancer, Verushka Pather, head of Natya Ananda, Fine Arts Academy. The school’s name was derived from the Sanskrit word meaning joy or eternal bliss and it offers tuition in Bharata Natyam as well as music.
According to Pather, “Natya Ananda works mainly with young people, focusing on developing dynamic, empowered individuals committed to human excellence and sound morals and ethics.”
The production is part of Natya Ananda’s outreach programme, giving dancers an opportunity to learn, experience and perform the ancient art form. Seven of the dance artists are from Port Elizabeth and six from Durban. The production also brings in classical ballet, drama, music and poetry to tell this compelling tale drawn from the potent verses of the Srimad Bhagavatam and The Bhagavat Gita.
She added that, “Lord Krishna’s leelas unfold through the love and devotion of His Gopis. They showcase the true purpose of the appearance of Krishna, the different types of relationships devotees have with the Lord and the ultimate message of complete surrender.”
The Port Elizabeth Opera House will host the performances on 24 and 25 September with performances in Durban at iZulu Theatre at the Sibaya Casino on 7 and 9 October. Tickets are available through Computicket.
L to R: Brita Narotam, Priyadarshini Iyapian, Prindhavanie Iyapian, Aarti Narotam. Kneeling are Verushka Pather and Nrityakalaiyani Iyapian.
