As part of the fifth edition of the Hyderabad Arts Festival, the Natya Tarangini dance academy presented an enthralling Indian dance ballet, Bhagwadajukeeyam, on June 17 at Cyber Conventions. The show featured Kuchipudi Guru Raja Radha Reddy and his daughter Yamini Reddy in lead roles of a Buddhist monk, Parivrajaka, and a courtesan, Vasantasena, respectively. Directed by Kaushalya Reddy, the play has been adapted in Telugu from Bodhayana’s Sanskrit script.
Choreographed by Kuchipudi exponent Raja Radha Reddy himself, the highlight of the evening was the introduction of the main characters which started with the actors posing gracefully behind a beautifully-lit screen, creating astounding silhouettes that mesmerised the audiences. This was followed by a traditional Kuchipudi style pravesha daruvu (introduction of self) where the lovely courtesan Vasantasena was seen dancing with her graceful sakhis (friends).
The next scene depicted the arrival of a serpent — sent by Yamaraja (the Hindu lord of death), who took the life out of Vasantasena with its venomous bite. Shandilya, after finding out about Vasantsena’s death, is grief stricken and goes to his teacher, Buddhist monk Parivrajaka, to seek help. Parvirajaka then decides to do a parakaya pravesam (leaving one’s body consciously) and enters into Vasantasena’s body. Vasantasena then starts talking and gesturing just like Parivrajaka — this part of the act is quite amusing for the audiences as her behaviour confuses Shandilya who rushes to his teacher, only to find him dead. The entire performance was cohesive, thanks to the vibrant background music. The audiences thoroughly enjoyed the comic touch coupled with the serious, classical dance form of Kuchipudi. The show made for an evening well spent!
