Drishti: The Gaze of the Beloved

A look that leads the attention to a point in space or a beat of the drum, the radiant and powerful gaze of a goddess, a sensual exchange of glances between lovers: the gaze is the window to the soul.

Odissi dancers Elena Catalano and Katie Ryan use the power of the gaze, the drishti to take the audience on a journey through varying emotional states from the awe of the divine to the playfulness of rhythm patterns, erotic pleasure to renunciation. The full gamut of human experience is explored. The dancers like the sun and moon have contrasting qualities that adds layers to an evening of variety and enjoyment.

The timeless choreography of odissi pioneer Kelucharan Mohapatra will be the backbone of the program which opens with an evocation to goddess Saraswati – the patron of art and music. A classic abstract dance item Mohana Pallavi displays the intricate technique of Odissi. Kuruyadu Nandana powerfully expresses the lyrics of Jayadev’s Gita Govinda – a 12th Century epic illuminating the union of Radha and Lord Krishna, seeped in eroticism and devotion. Ragamalika is an exposition of the distinguished choreographer Madhavi Mudgal who adeptly explores the intricacies of tala and raga with architectural skill. Two short improvisations by the dancers punctuate the program, allowing for a more personal exploration of poetry and the dancing form. The programme culminates with Moksha – a climactic composition ending with the upward gaze of the dancers, reaching for enlightenment.