Hyderabad, June 17, 2017…… The three month long India’s longest performing Arts Festival, the 5th edition of “Hyderabad Arts Festival” has been going on strong by each passing week.
On this Saturday night, Bhagawadajjukayam Ballet, a Dance Ballet by Padmabhushan Raja Radha Reddy & Disciples held here in city at Cyber Conventions at Madhapur
Indian Classical dance has always been held in high regard. However, it is the couple, Raja Radha Reddy who have managed to put Kuchipudi as a dance form on the global platform. Their sheer commitment and dedication towards the art form, they have spread great awareness among the current generation to adopt the dance form
Raja Radha Reddy, Yamini Reddy were their best in the performance. They may have become old by age, but, have been performing young as ever. Nearly 500 audience who graced the performance glued to the dancers all through the one hour of the program.
The show was produced by Kaushalya Reddy
This was a satirical drama written by Bhodhayana around the advent of Chrisitian era with a stress to ridicule and make fun of the then living style of Buddhist monks who came into its fold not by love of it but as it offered an easy livelihood, informed Kaushalya Reddy.
Vasantsena, a charming courtesan wanders in the garden in her casual routines enjoying the beauty of nature with her sakhis. Yamadhoota, on directions of the God of Death, enters the garden and in the disguise of a snake takes life out of Vasantasena leaving her dead on the ground, she added.
Shandilya, a Buddhist monk and an ardent lover of Vasantasena is horrified to see her dead and still. He is totally lost in grief. His Guru Parivrajaka, a true Buddhist, tobring him back from gloom to enlightenment preaches Aadhyayanam i.e. Buddham Sharanam Gachhami, Sangham Sharanam Gachhami and Dhammam Sharanam Gachhami. But this is of no avail to Shandilya and in turn Shandilya challenges his guru Parivrajaka to use his Yogic powers and bring Vasantsena back to life. Parivrajaka, through his art of Parakaya Pravesa drives his own soul from his body into the still body of Vasantasena. As the transformation is completed, Vasantasena comes to life but starts behaving like Parivrajaka.
On the other side, Yama Dharma Raja, the God of Death finds that Yamadoota by an error had taken out the life of Vasantasena. He orders Yamadoota to restore the life of Vasantasena into its body before it is cremated. Yamadoota on reaching the garden is surprised to find Vasantasena active with life and it took no time for him to realize that Parivrajaka was at play. Mischievously enough Yamadoota leaves the soul of Vasantasena in the still body of Parivrajaka which is lying around. Oh, now it is Parivrajaka’s turn to behave like Vasantasena.
This interchanging of souls with the interpolation of bodies left a note of mockery and fun. The mockery ended with the Yamadoota restoring the souls into the respective original bodies in a melodramatic style.
This dance drama was enacted with the observation of Poorvarangam as is customary of Kuchipudi style of presentation. The practice of performing Poorvarangam included preparing the stage before presenting the actual presentation.
HAF is being organized for the past four seasons to celebrate the spirit of Hyderabad. The fifth edition is back with bang with line of up many promising performances.
The festival which took birth in 2012 as a result of a trio - a Hyderabadi, a Keralite and a Tamilian, for the love of the city has become India’s longest performing arts festival now. And has become a name to reckon in the industry.
This year too like in the past, the organizers -- A.V. Ramakrishna from Hyderabad, C.S. Manoj from Kerala and Capt. Anand from Chennai, who made Hyderabad their home - lined up impressive non ticketed events to be held at different venues across the city for next three months.
HAF is a part of the Happening Hyderabad initiative of the Telangana government and has support from the Government of Telangana and many other organizations.
Hyderabad has a 400 years of rich cultural heritage. It has been projected as the Global City. It played host to many luminaries like Bill Clinton, George Bush, Kofi Annan, Bill Gates and many others. HAF wants to contribute to this aspect by organizing good events in its annual festival that runs for 3 long months every year.
The events Calendar of HAF Season 5 for the rest of the festival is as follows:
Sitar Recital by Pt. Neeladri Kumar - 24th June 2017
Breathtaking performance by the Sitar Maestro
Niladri Kumar is a global icon and is the 5th generation Sitar Player. From melodies to foot tapping tunes, he is an unconventional sitar player who plays hindustani classical with equal ease as he plays fusion. His in depth understanding of the art, made him innovate the traditional instrument Sitar and introduce his own version of sitar i.e. Zitar.
Porous Earth Dance Ballet – 01st July 2017
Rhythmic movements interweaved with classic poetry
'Porous Earth - The Journey of A River', is a thematic dance production choreographed by Guru HemamaliniArni. This dance presentation is based on an English poem by the same name written by TejdeepKaurMenon, IPS. Porous Earth is portrayed through contemporary Bharatanatyam and addresses various compelling issues of the society like water pollution and women empowerment through its narrative.
Stand up comedy by YOGI & Bear – 8th July 2017
Comedy to the core from down south
When everyone thought that the culture of theatre and stand up comedy is fading, it is this bunch of crazy, creative and gutsy group of youngsters who made it loud and clear that theatre can never die. With performances across all cities, Evam has not only brought a modern flavor to theatre but also set an example for all aspiring artists to pursue their passion and assured that every talent has platform.
Masala Coffee Band - 15th July 2017
High energy band blending Indian folk, pop & rock.
Masala Coffee is a young and energetic band that performs foot tapping numbers in the genres of Indian folk, pop and rock. Masala Coffee burst into the independent music scene with its eclectic mix of songs. The band has dished out songs of all genres – ranging from rock to melody.
Flute recital by Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia – 22nd July 2017
A soul stirring journey in flute by the master himself
This legendary artist needs no introduction. He has enthralled the global audience and is known for his soul-stirring renditions of Hindustani rags and breathtaking fusion. Born in Allahabad, PanditHariprasadChaurasia, the Indian Classical flutist has been the torch bearer for this art since ages. His contribution to this fine art has inspired many and recognizing his contribution he has been conferred with an array of awards that include Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan and many more.
Entry for all the above programs is free. However, they need to reserve their free passes on www.hyderabadartsfestival.com For more details, please call at 66335533, 64646262.
