About the performance
In this recital, Leda Shantala chose and choreographed an anthology of the most famous items of the classical carnatic music repertoire.
1. Alarippu:
A purely rhythmical piece, the name of which means "flowering". The dance petals open and immobility gradually turns into rhythm. It is a ritual obeisance and offering of thanks to Mother Earth, to ensure the successful outcome of the performance. It is dedicated to god Ganesha, with the body of a child and the head of an elephant.
2. Kirtana:
It is the Indian equivalent of Greek dithyramb. A complicated piece which includes both rhythmical and expressive (abhinaya) sections, and requires great technical skills, because of its spiritual depth: the greater the performer's maturity, the more enchanting the result.
3. Deshavataras (The 10 avatars):
Based on a Sanscrit 12th century text by the great poet and mystic Jaya Deva, also known for his work "Gita Govinda"
4. Padam: Netrandi Nera Tillei:
(«Yesterday at sunset»).
A purely expressive piece, giving all the weight on mimic and the expression of feelings (rasas). The heroine suffers because she saw her beloved with another woman. She expresses her jealousy, anger and pain, reminisces about the happy days and bemoans her betrayed love.
5. Tillana:
A dazzling dance with complicated rhythms requiring great technical skills. It is an explosion of joy and dynamism. It is dedicated to Shiva Nataraja, the cosmic dancer-creator. The poetic texts are inspired from the Vedas, the ancient Sanscrit philosophical sacred books.
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