Chennai based Bharatanatyam dancer Sailaja had a special gift for her mom Vimala Natesan on her birthday this year!
She presented a new dance-drama, 'Sivathai Manantha Thamizh' and dedicated it to her mother. It was staged on July 10, 2005, for a housefull audience at The Music Academy's auditorium, Chennai.
The dance-drama was a visualisation of Thamizh literature as an embodiment of goddess Parvathi.
It was choreographed by Sailaja who also adorned the role of Manonmani. Says she, "This is my first dance-drama and now I'm inspired to do more. This production is an original work of Tamil scholar Gunasekara Sivam who has brought it out as a book. He is a family friend and suggested that I take this topic and present it as a dance-drama."
She adds, "We have been working on this for more than a year now. It was very challenging, as the lyrics were penned in high-flown literary Thamizh. But, it was an enriching experience."
The music was composed by S. Rajeswari, former-Principal, Tamil Nadu Govt. Music College. The dramatic sets were designed by V.N.S. Manohar Theatres.
About 15 artistes including dancers and musicians were part of the show.
Sailaja says the show was possible with financial assistance from South Zone Cultural Centre, Tamil Nadu Iyal Isai Nataka Mandram, Dept. of Culture, New Delhi and a host of other sponsors.
Though rasikas filled the auditorium that evening, there was something that put them off too.
The show scheduled to begin at 5.30 pm, according to the newspaper announcements, commenced almost two hours late. The formal function with long speeches, preceded the show and this seemed to test the patience of several rasikas.
However, Sailaja hopes to stage the production during the December Season in Chennai. And may be then, you'll get to watch just the show sans speeches.
Sailaja runs a dance shool, 'Sailasudha' in Chennai, where she trains students in Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi.
For more info, contact Sailasudha: Ph: 2435 2882.
