RUKMINI KALYANAM

Rukmini Devi Arundale, founder of the world renowned institution Kalakshetra, produced and composed numerous dance dramas, one of which was 'Rukmini Kalyanam', presented during the recently held dance festival at Kalakshetra.

The dance drama opened with 'Kaliyamardhana' - a dance by Sri Krishna and the Gopis. This item, with songs in different ragas and talas, was indeed unique. The story of the play began with the depiction of a court scene of King Bhishmaka - 'The king reminds his queen that their daughter Rukmini has grown to a marriageable age and that his choice is Sri Krishna, whom he considers to be the reincarnation of Lord Vishnu.'

The welcome dance by court maidens, aesthetically attired in green and red, was a display of perfect Jatis (Steps) done in excellent co-ordination. Janardhanan, a veteran of Kalakshetra, excelled in his role as King Bhishmaka. Shaly, in her role as Rukmangi, was graceful. In the next scene, Prince Rukmi, brother of Rukmini, informs his parents that he has decided to get his sister married to his friend Sisupala. Sheejith Krishna in the role of Prince Rukmi, was commendable. In keeping with Rukmi's arrogant nature, his steps were vigorous, marked with expressive Abhinaya. The appropriate drum intervention helped in creating the mood of tension between Prince Rukmi and his parents.

The third episode was the enactment of Rukmini's longing for Sri Krishna's divine love. The scene showed Rukmini sitting on a swing with her Sakhis (Friends) standing on either side. The dance and the Abhinayam of the two Sakhis describing Rukmini's beauty was a new way of presenting the heroine. Madhavi, in her role as Rukmini, was also graceful. Her grief on hearing that her brother, Rukmi had opposed to her marriage with Sri Krishna was enacted well. Surya Narayana Murthy as the soothsayer, performed his part with aplomb. Krishnamurthy, a performer in almost all the Kalakshetra dance dramas, suited his role as the Brahmin. The stage lighting with the spotlight on Rukmini, while she wrote the letter to Sri Krishna, to be delivered by the Brahmin, was aesthetically conceived.

The next episode shows the Brahmin bringing in the good news of Sri Krishna arriving, to fulfill the desires of Rukmini. The music, set to Ragam Khamas, added a touch of joy to the whole scene. Gowri Puja performed in the next scene was executed with dignity and serenity. The Sakhis dancing Kummi (a folk dance) was entertaining. The riding of the chariot (by Sri Krishna, with Rukmini) was excellent in its imagery. The appropriate steps of the two dancers, the sound of the galloping horse, and the lighting, all put together, added gravity to the ensuing battle that followed between Sri Krishna and Rukmi.

An atmoshpere of auspiciousness was created in the last episode, the enactment of the wedding scene of Sri Krishna and Rukmini. The Sakhis did group dances, with simple dance movements and the finale saw the dancers in picturesque poses, with Sri Krishna and Rukmini in the centre as a couple.

The occasional speaking out by the artistes, a tradition in Kalakshetra dance dramas, added a dramatic touch to the whole production. In each and every moment of the dancers the Kalakshetra stamp (known for its technical perfection) was evident. The able and supportive orchestra comprised Kamala Rani on the Nattuvangum, Anil Kumar on the Mridangam, Srinivasan on the Violin, Sashidhar on the Flute, Jagadeeshan on the Maddalam, with vocal support by Sai Sankar. The minimalist stage props, with the story effectively told through the medium of dance, created a lasting impression in the minds of the viewers.

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