How does one define the Hindu god, Shiva? While there are several interpretations through mythological verses and classical ar t forms, Bharatanatyam, the classical dance repertoire too offers its own version. Tonight, danseuse Navia Natarajan presents her recital titled Shiva Spanda. A researched piece on Shiva, it literally means, ‘that which is auspicious’ and refers to the relationship of the devotee with the deity.
“Through this performance, I look at the form of the formless. It’s a paradox and an abstract concept. I essentially look at the various attributes of Shiva through this,” says Navia. She was inspired to work on this piece when she heard the Rudra Chamakam chants at an ashram. She then chose a part of the Rudra Prashnam (one of the verses) and did some research on it. “I discussed this with Dr Shankar Rajaraman, a renowned Sanskrit scholar, while working on it to understand the concept,” explains the danseuse.
The second piece that Navia will be performing is the Varnam. It is a Bharatanatyam piece, but Navia has interpreted it differently. In Varnam, the nayika (woman) considers Lord Bruhadeeshwara her beloved and this recital looks at the expression of love. “I have attempted to understand the character of the nayika by ex-pressing her love through metaphors. I describe it by saying, if the beloved is the sun, then the lover is the shadow, and other such comparisons,” she offers.
Entry free. Tonight, 7 pm. At Seva Sadan, Malleswaram
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