Reviews

Navia Nataraj: Blending technique and story-telling

Navia Nataraj delivered an impressive performance at the Isai-Natya-Nataka Vizha 2024.

She opened her recital with The Rising, telling the story of Bhoomi devi, who nurtures her saplings with love, reveling in the beauty gifted by Lord Vishnu. However, she is burdened by the fleeting nature of her beauty. Varaha, Vishnu's third incarnation, confronts evil, symbolizing an ongoing force that brings stability amidst chaos, living within us all. The Rising was set to Ragamalika, verses from the Sri Hari stotram by Swami Brahmananda and the Srimad Bhagavatam, with music composed by E. Srivatsan. The performance was further enriched by the expertise of Shankar Rajaram.

Moving on to the Varnam Kamalakshi ninne kori in raga Kambhoji, set to misra Chapu, a composition by Kundrakudi Krishna Iyer, the Sakhi humbly addresses the king. She urges him to go to her friend, who has been waiting for his arrival with a heart full of longing. Her lotus-shaped eyes have been fixed on him since childhood, and her love for him has only deepened over time. This moment is the perfect occasion for their union, as she is unparalleled in beauty and intellect, truly deserving of him. The jatis in rhythm were set by Prasanna Kumar.

 She concluded the recital with Draupadi - The Agni Putri. Born from sacrificial fire, she embodies the quest for justice and a fierce spirit. It is Draupadi’s knowledge of the sastras that empowers her to speak, to question her husbands, and to challenge the people in the court for their silence. It is her inner strength that allows her to call out to Krishna. The verses were taken from Panchali Sabatham by the poet Subramania Bharati.

 The accompanying musicians were Raguram Rajagopalan on vocals, Prasanna Kumar on nattuvangam, Harsha on mridangam, and Keshav Mohan Kumar on violin.

 

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