As we countdown to the event, we bring you another extract of our interview with Shri Sheejith
Krishna, the Choreographer who shares his perspective on Krishna BhAratham.
"Social Reform
It is about the role
of Krishna in MahabhArata. Usually we think of the gopis and dwarka. That is
not here in this case. Krishna here is more of a social reformer, an ambassador of
peace. That is his role, a complete man who talks about Karma.
Vision
Initially I started it
as a solo performance in Chennai, doing all the characters. The music has been
composed by my wife, Jyothishmathi and myself. The lyrics I chose from
MahabhArata and edited it.
That production was
more challenging as I had to be everyone; draupati, duryodhana etc.
As a group, we have
the opportunity to depict each character. Here some girls are also depicting some
of the male characters also; despite their being male performers in the group.
Unique
In one scene, I have
also incorporated Kathakali. Krishna goes to Duryodhana’s court to negotatiate
a share of the Kingdom on the Pandavas’ behalf. That whole sequence of the
exchange between Krishna and Duryodhana is set in Bharathanatyam and Kathakali
respectively. The negotiation proceeds from a high bid of 5 regions, to 5
house, to just 1 house. Duryodhana remains unwilling to budge. You will observe
the difference in the energy of the 2 characters.
Krishna, the Social
Reformer
In observing the
Bhagavad Gita, I always look beyond the surface of the verse, at the dwani, the
2nd or 3rd layer, at the deeper meaning. When Krishna
says that a real panditha will look at everyone equally, I observe that such
impartiality is for the more spiritually evolved. Each one instead will have
their own perspective as influenced by their experiences and karma.
We can’t do the whole
Gita, but whatever messages Krishna shares with Arjuna is for the purpose of
inspiring him to be a better human and that is what we are trying to share and
show through this production. It is not what you do that is important but also
the means through which you achieve this purpose.
I have chosen lyrics
where Krishna does not insist that Arjuna fights. It’s a general perspective,
but as mentioned earlier, each person will look at things differently in view
of their own karma.
Krishna is not only a
god but a teacher who is giving you the option of how to live a better life.
This is the ultimate message."
You would agree, the discussion of the production was indeed a spiritual experience. This is only the tip of the ice berg. My words and pictures do not lend sufficient value to the visual effectiveness of the scenes. Be your own judge, join us and see for yourself.
Krishna BhAratham
8 pm, 8 April 2012 at the Esplanade.
For more details or tickets, do contact SIFAS at 6299 5929.
You may also wish to contact us at sifasalumni@gmail.com
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