The evening unfolded as a masterful blend of poetry, music and dance, with well-known Kuchipudi dancer, Amrita Lahiri and the multifaceted musician Chandana Bala Kalyan leading the audience through the symbolic journey of the mandala, exploring Sringara, Viraha, Maya, and culminating in Aikya. Their presentation, titled Mandala, directed by eminent dancer Leela Samson, was an intimate and intelligent exploration of these themes, leaving a lasting impression on all present.

Chandana Bala’s mellifluous voice was the foundation of the performance, traversing octaves with ease and imbuing each note with bhava. Her deep connection to the lyrics and their meaning was evident. Accompanied mostly by cymbals and occasionally by simple strings, Chandana’s music set the tone for the evening. A true multifaceted artist, she shone as a musician, narrator, and presenter, bringing creativity and depth to the performance. Her rendition of swaras in Yemuko Chigurutadharamuna and the javali Smarasundaranguni were particularly noteworthy, offering delightful improvisation.

Amrita Lahiri’s abhinaya was equally captivating. Beginning with sringara, she portrayed themes of love with finesse, from a lighthearted crush to the divine romance of Goddess Alamelu Manga and Lord Venkateswara. Her subtle depiction of envy, as seen in Yemuko, added a layer of complexity, while Chandana’s chittaswarams provided a beautiful complement.

Transitioning to Viraha, Amrita embodied the anguish of separation with Dharmapuri Subbarayar’s Smarasundaranguni, depicting the nayika’s lament with nuance. The synergy between the artists was palpable, as they gave each other space to create, immerse, and respond, allowing the audience to soak in the layers of emotion and artistry.

Leela Samson’s choreography and song selection elevated the performance. Pieces like the Meera bhajan, Nanati Batuku Natakamu, and Kabir’s poetry were chosen with care, blending traditional roots with innovative touches. The exploration of rhythmic patterns, using simple exercises like sarali and janta varisais, was a refreshing addition, showcasing the concept of time through nadais like tisram and chatusram. The inclusion of surprise elements, such as tanam and chittaswarams in kritis, kept the presentation engaging and dynamic. Chandana's spontaneous rendition of the raga Gopriya was impressive and kept the audience fully engaged.

The evening ended with a delightful presentation of an abhang with Shankar Santhanagopalan on the mridangam. Gyandev’s lighting complemented the performance's mood, while the sound design, including the sustain effect for Chandana’s vocals, enhanced the overall experience.

Mandala was a beautiful blend of music and dance, brought to life by the artists' intelligence and maturity. It deeply moved the audience, showing how tradition and innovation can come together to create something truly timeless.

by

Sukanya Sankar