Our city will soon see the launch of yet another club dedicated to dance and music. What's On checks out this latest addition to the culture circuit
Our city will soon see the launch of yet another club dedicated to dance and music. What's On checks out this latest addition to the culture circuit
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Meena Narayan, a journalist and spa owner, says that the need for such niche art clubs is growing. "While there are several clubs in India that focus on arts, not many focus on retaining the essence of classical art forms. With time, we have seen a dilution in the classic forms of the arts in the name of fusion."Ancient purity
When told the trend of experimenting is in and many people like the idea of tweaking the older forms of art, Meena says, "It may appeal to some, but many of us still crave for classical art forms in its purest forms. So our mission is to spread the message of this beautiful, artistic world that seems to be almost forgotten in this fast-paced world. We want people to sit back and realise that traditional art and culture should have an equal emphasis in a person's life."
Among the various art forms Meena thinks that Kathakali is one art form that lacks encouragement.
"Many of today's generation are losing touch with the original forms of art. Kathakali, for instance, faces this problem the most, and we believe that we need to educate people on the richness of this tradition. This pertains to other dance forms, classical music and other art forms as well. The pleasure of listening to pure Carnatic music without experimentation can be most soothing to the ears."
Why Bangalore?
So, why didn't she go to Kerala if she is so fond of Kathakali? She explains, "The idea of starting this club began when my mother, Lalitha Das, a social worker, who is passionate about dance and music, felt it would be nice to start a small club for serious lovers of the arts. Having successfully arranged two Kathakali performances for Bangalore audiences, she felt there was a need for a club that would stress on the classical art forms. We were soon joined by my brother and a few others, and before we knew it, we were all dedicating some time outside work to work on this project."
On the anvil
BCKA will host three major shows this year. The club will showcase all classical forms of dance, music, art and movies. The club will be inaugurated by renowned bharatnatyam danseuse Dr Vyjyantimala Bali. Guests of honour include Captain Krishnan Nair, chairman of the Leela Properties, who is also one of the patrons of the club, and ISRO chairman Dr Madhavan Nair.
Check it out
BCKA will be launched on April 10, 2009 at Chowdiah Hall, with a three-hour Kathakali performance Duryodhanavadham. The performance focuses on the episode from the Mahabharata where the Pandavas are invited to gamble with the Kauravas. Some of the scenes include Draupadi's humiliation and Bhima's need to avenge those who insulted her and the final scene where Dushyasana is defeated. The play is a blend of melodramatic moments and melodious, classical music. The artistes are from Janabheri Kathakali Kendram, Chuduvalathur, Kerala.
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