Kalakshetra

Kalakshetra

A perfect new year eve programme was organized by Kalakshetra in their auditorium.
Koormavataram was a dance recital by their students. I have not witnessed this particular production, though some of their other productions I have seen them more than once.
The entire package is worth experiencing; the location is away from the crowds, tucked away beyond thiruvanmiyur in a vast expanse; the auditorium is a typical kerala style architecture and brings with it its own aura of sanctity and reverence for art; the students who are receiving you do so with lot of finesse and style; everything is classy and understated;the audience invariably exude appreciation of art, music and dance in its pure form; a small outlet selling their kalamkari paintings and a few publications completes the picture.
The musician plays a very strong role in all their productions including significant use of the flute.The performers dress in typical kalakshetra style; nothing jazzy and jarring the senses, but very ethnic and aqccessories are usually custom made ;cotton outfits with vegetable dyes are predominant ; make up is just right without obstructing the fleeting emotions that are depicted by the artists.Nothing elaborate about sets on the stage; it is simplistic and a lot is left to your imagination.
The production as such is exquisite where one can witness the attention to detail and absolute commitment in its execution.It is very obvious that the teachers and students there are in it for their passion for this art.One can see really fluid movements and that elusive thing called ‘kalakshetra bhani’.Nothing distracts the viewer from being focused on the artists and the simple story that they are conveying to the audience.
I was quite overwhelmed with the dance recital, that basic questions on relevance of art, why artists take so much effort in conveying through various forms, the role of the interested audience and what they are seeking, the wonderful puranas that are part of Hinduism which add the drama and depth to the entire production were all sweeping over me.
The programme got over and I was reluctantly coming out of the spell.Kumar and me did not utter a word and were slowly walking towards the car.The calm soothing glow of moonlight shining on the bushes and the almost silent campus were the perfect finish to a glorious evening.