Dance performance to connect Indian, Greek mythology

Padma Vibhushan recipient Sonal Mansingh's new dance drama, 'When the Gods Meet' is based on various episodes of the Indian and Greek mythology and revolves around myths and legends.

The 69-year-old calls this unification "mother of all mythologies" that will be staged in a 75-minute performance at Kamani Auditorium here Wednesday.

Directed and choreographed by Mansingh, the Indian mythological act will be performed by her disciples whereas the Greek mythological part would be enacted by choreographer Sandip Soparrkar's students.

"I have been dancing on many Greek myths, so I thought it would be a good idea to bring together these two ancient and rich mythologies. If Indian mythology is the mother of Asian subcontinent, Greek mythology equally carries weight in Europe," Mansingh told IANS.

"I often hear people telling me why I don't try something contemporary, though much to their dismay I have failed to understand the word contemporary," added legendary dancer who has performed in 'Nayikka' based on Rabindranath Tagore's poetry.

She wants her audience to read symbolism from this performance.

"There is no point preaching your audience, but what is important is to let them infer a selected story or episode the way they want to. The episodes I have chosen do talk about issues that mar our society," she said.

"I have tried to speak through the language of metaphors," she added.

Hence the surrendering story of Black Cobra or Kaliya to Lord Krishna in the episode 'Kaliya Mardanam', 'Mohini Bhasmasur' dance narrating how a mighty Bhasmasur misused Lord Vishnu's boon, marriage of Shiva and Parvati, and tales of mistrust, love and deceit from the Greek mythologies will be enacted on stage.

"These myths stayed with us for thousand years and are extremely timely and relevant for all generations," she added.