Indian classical dance

By Madeleline Murray

A TROUPE of four classical Indian dancers will perform a drama called Parijatham in Murwillumbah on April 2.

Parijatham is a timeless, iconic tale of love, lust and devotion in the classical Indian dance style Kuchipudi.

This ancient dance tradition is famous for its lilting music, flowing movements, and vibrant stage presentation.

The visually stunning dance drama performed by Canberra’s Sadhanalaya School of Arts showcases traditional elements of the Kuchipudi dance repertoire and is set to beautiful, haunting Carnatic classical South Indian music.

Parijatham tells the delightful and at times comical story of conflict created between two of Lord Krishna’s consorts, Queen Rukmini and Queen Satyabhama.

The problems begin after Sage Narada asks

Lord Krishna to give a divine parijatham flower to his favourite consort, Rukmini.

“Lord Krishna in Hindu mythology is known for his beautiful flute playing and is a bit of a ladies’ man, often found among the milkmaids,” said Suhasini Sumithra, who plays Queen Rukmini.

“We’re very excited to be bringing the show to the beautiful Northern Rivers, and to share this art form with people who may not know it,” Suhasini told The Weekly.

Parijatham is one of 15 dance dramas choreographed by the late Dr Vempati Chinnastyam who was recognised globally for his lifetime contributions to Kuchipudi.

This performance has been directed by his niece, Ms Vanaja Dasika, who lives in Canberra.

Parijatham is on from 4:30pm at the Pure Bhakti Yoga Centre, 1 Banner St, Murwillumbah. For more info, contact Suhasini on 0425 101 120.

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Kingscliff’s Micah Margieson and Cabarita’s Kyan Falvey are also com- peting this week at Newcastle, with Margieson absolutely blasting his way through Round 1.

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Props also to Caba surfer Brittani Nicholl who did an excellent job on commentary as always.