Spotlight
Natya Kala Conference 2024 – Abhijata

The Natya Kala
Conference, hosted annually by Sri Krishna Gana Sabha, is a prestigious forum
dedicated to exploring the richness of Indian classical and folk dance.
Featuring insightful discussions, workshops, and performances, the conference
attracts luminaries and enthusiasts alike, fostering a deeper understanding of
the art form. This year’s conference is curated by dancers Nirupama-Rajendra.
In a conversation with Sruti, they speak about what the
conference has in store for the rasikas this year.
What
is special about NKC 2024?
Inspired by the
richness and depth of our arts, we’ve themed this year’s conference Abhijata.
Abhijata
embodies the essence of human expression, bringing together diverse artistic
elements in sessions. From classical styles to folk and theatrical traditions
like Yakshagana and Lavani, we will present a comprehensive tapestry of our
artistic heritage.
Through sessions like
‘Kal Ke Kalaakaar’ and panel discussions on technology, art, economy, and
regulations, we aim to facilitate meaningful dialogue and reflection on the
present and future of our art forms.
We have also curated an
exciting range of practical workshops and interactive sessions. Storytelling
through masks and special headgears of Chhau, and a capella workshop showcasing
the exciting possibilities of the human voice, amongst others. This conference
also brings back to life the lost tradition of nritta-pratimala and
aashu-abhinaya, fostering spontaneous art creation. These innovative sessions
will provide a platform for artists to experiment, improvise, and push the
boundaries of their creativity.
What
did you have in mind while curating the sessions and selecting the artists?
Our primary focus was
on crafting a content that would showcase the multifaceted nature of natya. We
began by identifying key themes and topics that would bring out the various
dimensions and layers of natya. We then carefully selected artists who had
worked on these topics or had the potential to bring unique perspectives to the
performances and discussions.
For instance, our
session on Shastranubhuti features renowned Sanskrit scholar R Ganesh, who will
highlight the importance of sastras in performing arts. To illustrate the
universality of Natya Sastra, we have Arjun Bharadwaj’s talk, Aseema, which
explores the connections between Indian and GrecoRoman drama - explorating the
connections between ancient Indian dramaturgy and Greco-Roman theater.
We have also
commissioned young professional dancers to interpret 7th-century Amarushathaka
poems and participate in the Nrittaprathimala, a revived ancient Indian
practice. We have Rajiv Menon who will speak on the evolution of classical
dance and music in popular media. Additionally, experts in movement and
artificial intelligence, choreographers, and sound design specialists will
discuss the intersection of technology and natya.
NKC 2024 has a total of
82 artists across 24 sessions.
Both
of you are curating it as a couple; did each of you have a different take?
As a couple curating
the Natya Kala Conference 2024, we’ve always shared a unified vision. We like
to say that we’re ‘two bodies, one soul, married to art.’ Our approach has been
collaborative from the start, with mutual understanding, discussion, and a
shared commitment to achieving our artistic goals.
One special aspect of our curation is the session ‘Daampathyam,’ where we bring together renowned couples in the world of classical dance. This session highlights the unique harmony of personal and artistic collaboration.