MANASI

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared 2001 as the year of Mental Health and April 7th as Mental Health Day. In this connection, a programme was held at Narada Gana Sabha, featuring a play titled 'Bayen' organised by the students of Stella Maris College, and 'Manasi', a choreo-theatre performed by Danseuse Anita Ratnam and her troupe.

Using a blend of music, rhythm, dance and dialogue, Anita challenges the traditional ideas of mental health. Manasi - the lead character becomes the vehicle to examine stress, strain, prejudices and dangers in an intolerant society. The desperate call for compassion and collective responsibility towards those who think differently is heard - bringing all of them into the mainstream of society. The whole dance theatre production communicated the theme of the show very effectively. It was evident that Anita had put in an immense amount of research and work into the production. It was neat, flawless and well rehearsed. Anita chose to do the role of Manasi - the narrator.

The opening scene was very striking, with a steel house shaped structure placed on one side of the stage and the dancers slowly emerging out of it. The dance had a combination of steps (mostly Bharatanatyam) but a few borrowed from other dance styles too. The gestures and movements were powerful and evocative. It seemed like an attempt to discover new body language with gestures and body articulation combined with powerful music, light and props.

An interesting feature was the documentary on mental health, filmed by director Rajiv Menon and his associates, which was shown to the audience along with the dance. At times it did tend to get distracting, as one did not know whether to watch the dance or the film.

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