A show conceptualised by two sisters, Nisarga is a performance that has a very contemporary theme portrayed by using a traditional dance form. With the aim to spread awareness about nature, Samanvitha and Samudhytha Bhat came up with this concept. It has always been a notion that classical dance forms and dancers are outdated. These two sisters wanted to change this notion through this show. Samanvitha shares, “As artistes, we wanted to do something that is contemporary and deliver a message in the process. Nisarga explores the various facets of nature through dance.”
Nature will be seen as a mode of worship, inspiration for dance and how we owe everything to it. On why they chose to portray nature, she explains, “In a metropolitan like Bengaluru where there is a lot of talk going on about Swachh Bharat, the contribution from artistes is not there. Many times in classical show, the theme does not correspond to things happening around. We wanted to change this through this show.”
The style that Samanvitha and Samudhytha will be showcasing is called Bharatamnrityam which was developed by Dr Padma Subrahmanyam who they also consider to be their role model. Samanvitha adds, “The specialty of this style of dance is that we have adopted the movements of the age old Natyashastra which is classic but also contemporary.” They will begin with a number on Surya followed by the Earth where they will explore the mythological stories of Earth and rhythmic seismic patterns of the earth. “We will also be using the Karanas of Natyashastra which are movements that have been mentioned in one of the oldest texts of dance. Many of the Karanas are inspired by nature, therefore we felt it apt to include this into our performance,” she shares.
Talking about her role on stage, “My sister and I have been performing together for many years now. The music that we will using is by different people. The Earth piece will use the music of Dr Manorama. The last piece is contemporary theme where two dancer are on a jungle safari but it is later on destroyed by a hunter. This piece is an instruments only without any lyrics.”
Having learned the art form Bharatanatyam for over 20 years, Samudhytha has choreographed this show as well. “There is satisfaction that we were able to impart something meaningful to society. Having danced with my sister for many years, we share a bond on and off stage. If something goes wrong on stage, we are able to handle it without other people knowing,” she concludes. The show is set to happen on January 13 at Prayog Studio.
