Opera-style Ramayana creates musical symphony in Delhi

Though the set wasn't as grand as operas are known for, but the way different dance forms - Indian and western - contributed in weaving a narrative of a unique opera-styled Ramayana here Friday it highlighted the nuances of performing arts and how they can merge with elegance.

On Friday evening, the national capital witnessed a magical music and dance performance when six dance forms - Italian opera, Yakshagana from Karnataka, Purulia Chhau from West Bengal, Odishi from Odisha, Manipuri from Manipur and Kathak from Delhi - blended to chronicle the journey of Ram and Sita, from their meeting to the coronation.

What made the 100-minute performance stand apart was the conceptualisation by yoga guru Bijoylaxmi Hota, known for having used different dance forms to define qualities of each character.

Italian opera dancers donned the roles of Ram and Lakshman, delicate and resplendent Sita was an Odishi dancer, deers and peacocks were played by Chau dancers and the mighty Ravana, also called Dashanan, was played by a Yakshagana artiste.

The nuances of their respective dance forms reflected in their roles where their performances seemed speaking louder than words could convey and the emotions and movements lent gradual support to the performance.

Organised by Odishi dancer Reela Hota who played Sita in the event, this opera was a part of the 5th International Ancient Arts Festival.

"We are not doing the fusion for the sake of doing. Each character was given a dance form that could blend in their role's characteristics, Hota told IANS after the performance.

"The challenge here was to create an opera without using props. Classical dance forms don't use props. Our musical presentation wasn't cosmopolitan but a representation of our rustic culture," she added.