Reviews

Dancing Dissent

Four organisations led by dancers Alokparna Guha and Sandeep Mallick (Kathak), Debjani Chatterjee and Anita Mullick (Bharatanatyam) along with Shubhashish staged Sanjog at Gyan Manch (10 August) to express dissent against corruption that prevails in the field of performing arts. Simultaneously, they also showcased their own creations based on relevant social issues, especially to present their dedicated and promising disciples who do not get any platform without greasing the palm of several agencies associated with dance.

 

Among these, Rani, presented by Alokparna’s Pushpak Dance Academy, opened a forgotten chapter of history created by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, a journey of two years from July 1943 to August 1945 that changed the lives of hundreds of women of India, Singapore, Malaysia and Rangoon. Inspired by their leader they helped him raise the ‘Jhansi ki Rani regiment’ and happily embraced the hardships of battlefields and martyrdom. Alokparna, a dancer and theatre person, treated this patriotic theme as an exploration of dance within the periphery of theatre that left a strong emotional impact.

 

Sister Forever, presented by Meghdoot Ballet Troupe under the direction of Debashish, focused on the sublime life and works of Sister Nivedita that featured his Bharatanatyam guru Anita Mullick in the lead role. Her portrayal, supported by industrialist cum actor Harsh Neotia’s narration and music, had a telling effect.   


Boond, presented by Sandeep’s Naadam, gave an important message that clarifies the necessity of water conservation, the lifeline of any growth on earth. Through dance, it portrayed vegetation, animal habitations, humans with their daily rituals, social obligations and the constant evolution of civilisation as everything is water-dependent. Conversely, led by Debjani, the students of her Prabaha Kalabhoomi interpreted the concepts of yukti-bhakti-mukti in a way that transported one to the ethereal world of spiritual salvation. The event also showcased brilliant young dancers Urjashree Basak (Odissi), Parna Chakraborty and Kankana Singh (Manipuri-duo).

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