Madhulita Mohapatra’s ‘Naman’ festival showcased Odissi in all its hues

Epic retold through dance at Naman festival

Odissi, one of the classical dance forms, is marked by graceful postures, emotive facial expressions, bright costumes, and make-up. Pallavi, Ashtapadi, and Oriya poems, and Chaukha and Tribhanga stances form the basic movement through which Odissi dancers convey emotions, depict various characters, and tell stories. The myriad facets of this dance style were explored through a series of performances at this year’s edition of ‘Naman’ festival, curated by Madhulita Mahopatra in Bengaluru, under the banner of her dance school Nrityantar Academy of Performing Arts. 

Spread over two days, the festival showcased performances by some of the eminent Odissi dancers from across the globe, and also platformed young dancers, who are training under Madhulita.

Day two of the festival featured students of Nrityantar Ensemble who revisited the Ramayana in their production  ‘Siya Ram- The Eternal Saga’. The visualisation, showcasing Sita sitting in Asoka Vana and reminiscing about her life, quickly moved to highlight many significant moments from the epic

With inputs from Shatavadhani Ganesh Bhat Koppalatota, and Odiya poet Kidar Mishra, the events unfolded seamlessly. Through vibrant musical score and fine choreographic pattern it sustained the audience’s interest throughout.

The dancers’ commitment was evident in the way they moved through varied sequences in quick succession. . Madhulita’s gentle and sensitive portrayal of Sita, combined with the depiction of other characters — the calm and dignified Rama by Reshmi Divakaran; the power and vigour of Ravana by Sahana Raghavendran; and the flighty deer Maricha by Mandana Sasikumar — as well as the role of Hanuman, Surpanaka and Jatayu were compelling performances.

The dancers were Nandhana Sasikumar, Aditi Das, Prishna Sinha, Anupama Kumar, Angelena Avnee, Sunana Das and Soni Tarasia.

Rupak Kumar Parida’s ragamalika-talamalika musical soundscape and Dyaneshwar Swain’s rhythm composition captured the essence of each sequence well. Costumes and lighting design further enhanced the impact.