REVIEW "Govindam" A Kathak Dance Recital by Dr. Swati Subodh Siddhartha which was on 11th May, 2007

• Related Event : CLASSICAL DANCE "Govindam" A Kathak Dance Recital by Dr. Swati Subodh Siddhartha - 11th May, 2007
  
  
• Review :
  
• The Society- Aadyantara
• The evening of May 11, 2007 witnessed Aadyantara’s maiden presentation of the kathak dance recital, Govindam. On this occasion, Aadyantara, a society constituted for the promotion and appreciation of Indian art and culture, also launched its website, www.aadyantara.org, which will highlight the present and future activities of the society. Besides this, one can get a wide spectrum of information pertaining to Indian Art & Culture.
• Aadyantara also endeavors at developing and fostering mutual cooperation, understanding and common action among various individuals, groups and organizations engaged in promotion of Indian art and culture in the country and to establish co-operation and linkages with other networks, forums and associations. For achieving its objectives by means of organizing recitals, performances, workshops, seminars etc encompassing the gamut of fields related to Indian art. In achieving this mission, it hopes to provide a platform for the artist to showcase their talent and for the audience to imbibe the richness and essence of the art form. Their maiden presentation, entitled Govindam, is a step forward in this direction.

• The Recital- Govindam
• Govindam-the recital, aptly conveyed the multidimensionality of Krishna’s or Govinda’s character which over the ages has inspired imaginations of many poets and writers. It encompassed these facets of Krishna as depicted in Dasavatara from Geetagovindam, a masterpiece by the legendry poet Jayadeva. This composition was based in shankara raag and the composition encompassed an awe inspiring range of bhaav and abhinaya that aptly embodied the various incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
• The recital also featured the thumri ‘Kanha bin sooni lage nagariya’, a traditional composition based in baageshwari raag. This was followed by ‘Aaiso hathilo chail mag rokat hai’, a composition by Pt. Narayan Prasad based in desh raag. The depiction of the gopika’s dilemma who is secretly enthralled yet shows her annoyance at the sudden arrival of Krishna was particularly enchanting.
• The performance also featured tarana based in poorna dhanashri and vasant raag where the technical nuances of the traditional kathak dance form was presented in an impressive style. The recital concluded with a jugalbandi of words (or bol), music and foot movement in a harmonious and well judged manner.
• The recital was appreciated widely by the audience, which comprised, among others, many veterans and established art critiques.
• The Artist
• The recital was presented by Dr Swati Subodh Siddhartha in a form where the traditional kathak dance form amalgamated with the artists’ own portrayal and conception giving it a unique embodiment. Swati is a Research Scientist by profession and a doctorate from AIIMS. In spite of her varied interests, her professional and artistic facets seem to co-exist in perfect harmony. At the recital Swati exhibited an inspiring display of layakari in teentaal and jhaptaal. The rythmically coordinated body and foot movements, with the beautiful display of story enactment translated into a very convincing, and effective presentation. The dance presentation style was very energetic and fast paced, this kept the audience spellbound from start to finish. The bansuri & ghungat gats used in the dance had a very involving and touching effect.
• Overall, Aadyantara put together a very distinctive and impressive first presentation. It hopes to further its success from its maiden venture and organize many more such recitals and presentations in future.
• To be informed of their activities, one can refer to their website ( www.aadyantara.org ), or alternatively email at aadyantara@gmail.com.
• Note : Aadyantara is a registered society under the Societies registration Act, 1860.