Intricate jatis, controlled abhinaya and grace were delineated with confidence and ease by each of the 52 students of Sridevi Nrithyalaya, who presented ‘Janani Jagath Karani’ at Vani Mahal recently. The ballet which was choreographed by guru, Sheila Unnikrishnan, involved three sets of dancers, nine goddesses, nine demons and nine dancers. The curtain rises with an invocation to the cosmic Mother, by nine young dancers. In and out of the stage went these children as they described ‘Devi’ as the chastiser of sinners and shelter for saints, sages and Gods. With controlled footwork and in an unhurried yet perfect manner they formed a Sri Chakram which was laudable.
The first episode was about Goddess Nidhra Devi. Here Mahavishnu was shown to be absorbed in a trance while Brahma was petrified by the demons Madhu and Kaitabha. Anusha and Archana excelled in their role as asuras. Nidhra Devi, who rises from Maha Vishnu comes to the aid of Brahma and instructs him to quell the demons. In the ensuing battle Vishnu chops off the heads of Madhu and Kaitabha.
Originally written for The Hindu, read more at https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/dance/Rhythm-as-the-pivotal-point/article16838950.ece