|
'Thoranams' made from coconut leaves and security men
in uniforms welcomed you as you entered the huge gates
at Kalakshetra, the well known arts campus in Madras
on 1 March.
The event - Birth centenary celebrations of the legendary
dancer Rukmini Devi Arundale, the founder of Kalakshetra.
The campus which wore a festive atmosphere also seemed
to look like a tight security zone, with the Vice-President
of India, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat inaugurating the first
big event of the yearlong celebrations here.
The event which was scheduled to begin at 4.30 pm commenced
at 5.45 pm, following a delay in the arrival of the
Vice President.
And the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu,J. Jayalalithaa
who was to unveil the portrait of Rukmini Devi, did
not attend the event owing to 'health reasons'. Her
message was read out by the Director of Kalakshetra,
Rajaraman.
Justice K.S. Bhakthavatsalam and the Finance Minister,
Govt. of Tamil Nadu, C. Ponnaiyan were also present
on the occasion.
 |
The Governor of Tamil Nadu,
P.S. Ramamohan Rao released the books on speeches and
writings of Rukmini Devi and the centenary commemorative
volume.
The books contain Rukmini Devi's theosophical lectures,
parliamentary speeches and lectures on various topics
relating to art and culture, education, animal welfare,
vegetarianism... The double volume book costs Rs. 500
and the centenary commemorative volume costs Rs.600
and are available only at Kalakshetra.
Most of the senior dancers among the alumni of Kalakshetra
participated at this event as spectators. And Shantha
Dhananjayan told KutcheriBuzz, "Wish some of
us were part of the celebrations too."
The Museum
Earlier, in the morning on 1 March, a museum dedicated
to Rukmini Devi at the Kalakshetra campus was opened
by the former President of India and Chairman of Kalakshetra,
R. Venkatraman. Click
here to read about the museum.
A lecture-demonstration on Rukmini Devi's Choreography,
was presented by Janardhanan, one of the senior dancers
and former Principal of Kalakshetra on the morning of
3 March. Here, eight selected scenes from the dance
dramas of Rukmini Devi were presented by the Kalakshetra
dancers. And attending this presentation were a galaxy
of senior dancers and the students of Kalakshetra. Lunch
was arranged too for the invitees at this event. Click
here to read lec-dem notes.
|
Evening performances featured excerpts from 'Choodamani
Pradanam' and 'Maha Pattabhishekam' by Kalakshetra artistes,
'Ramayana' by the Balinese troupe from Indonesia, 'Bhagavad
Gita' by Padma Subrahmanyam, and Hindusthani Vocal by
Pt. Jasraj.
As part of the yearlong celebrations, a photo exhibition
on Rukmini Devi curated by art critic and writer Sunil
Kothari will be held in Delhi in February 2004.
Contact: Kalakshetra Foundation , Thiruvanmiyur - 600
041, Phone no :91-044-24911169
Email:kshetra@vsnl.com
, Website:www.kalakshetra.net
A video report on this inaugural event will soon
be posted on this website. Keep a tab here.
Log onto this website for updates on the yearlong
birth centenary celebrations of Rukmini Devi.
|
