Celebrate India's classical dance form Kathak at this show in Mumbai

Vidushi Uma Dogra performs a Kathak sequence. Pics Courtesy/inni singh; Vishavdeep Sharma; (right) Vishal Krishna enacts a pose drawn from Krishna Leela, as portrayed in the Banaras Gharana

Visuals embed themselves in the mind of a viewer, much better than theoretical information read from a textbook," reflects Vidushi Uma Dogra. This writer immediately agrees, despite having an affinity for the written word. The 69-year-old Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee and Kathak exponent has conceptualised and curated a show in Mumbai, which offers a window into the different styles of Kathak, more appropriately known as ‘gharanas'. It is titled, Echoes of Ghoongroos - Katha Kathak Ki.

Vishavdeep Sharma depicts a Jaipur Gharana pose, with elements inspired by the Rajasthani folk dance, Ghoomar

This ‘katha' traces the dance form's evolution in India over centuries, particularly how it transformed from storytelling into an expressive tradition. Dogra describes the concept, "The idea for this show stemmed from the desire to show younger generations who are interested in Kathak, how it has undergone so many changes over time. Earlier, it used to be performed in temples, for instance, to narrate mythological tales. Eventually, it experienced the Mughal cultural influence, and moving ahead, with the invasion of the British into India, it underwent challenges retaining itself as a traditional art, amongst others, but its knowledge was preserved by dedicated gurus of that time." The emphasis, she tells us, is to portray this growth on stage for young minds, instead of simply teaching it through written materials.

Anukriti Vishwakarma and Souvik Chakraborty

Dogra's production brings together four young dancers (all in their 30s, she points out) representing three different gharanas: Vishavdeep Sharma represents the Jaipur Gharana, Anukriti Vishwakarma and Souvik Chakraborty perform sequences of the Lucknow Gharana, and Vishal Krishna presents the Banaras Gharana. "Artiste Suhani Singh will act as the sutradhar, which, in literary language, connotes the ‘narrator', who weaves different elements of the act together," Dogra adds.

enact Abhinaya, which connotes expressiveness, a key aspect of the Lucknow Gharana

Lucknow Gharana prioritises elegant, graceful movements, while the Banaras Gharana concentrates on energetic and complex footwork and intricate rhythms. With the Jaipur Gharana, Sharma explains, "It has historical influences from temple dances. Dancers use their body to express the grandeur of stories, themes of spirituality and devotion, and a social identity." Gharanas, he says, offer ground for a Kathak artiste to think, making it an evolving intellectual tradition, rather than a rigid form. "This show is rooted in respect for the grammar of the dance, and depicts that change is necessary, and traditions aren't static. We will also perform lesser-known compositions."

"Ultimately, the aim is to show how Kathak has become what it is today, and how modern dancers include elements of all its styles in some manner," Dogra signs off.

ON December 20, 8 pm at The Studio Theatre, Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, BKC.
LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com
ENTRY RS 750 onwards