Bharatanatyam Act on ‘Easter’ Episodes by Lass Ruth Prithika Enthralls Packed Hall
Mangaluru: It was probably the First of its kind Bharatanatyam performance depicting Bible episodes related to “Easter” that Mangaloreans might have witnessed, and they were all enthralled by the scintillating and mesmerizing dance by a young third-year Computer Science engineering student at NMAMIT, Nitte – Miss Ruth Prithika, where she had unleashed her hidden talents of this Art- and received loud applaud from the packed audience at Town Hall-Mangaluru on Easter Sunday.
Bharatanatyam, which is the most ancient form of dance originated from South India, is known for its perfect and graceful feminine movements. It resembles the movements of a dancing flame. It is the most beautiful form of expression, a dance form which holds pride in itself. An amalgamation of bhava, Natya, Thala and raga- expression, melody, rhythm and dance- accompanied by Carnatic music, Bharatanatyam is also an act of devotion. Its dance forms are also used to present various themes such as unity of religions, nationalism, nature and emotions.
The three main elements of Bharatanatyam are namely: Nritta (rhythmic dance movements). Natya (dance combined with a dramatic aspect) and Nritya (union of Nritta and Natya). It has the largest number of movements; head (Shiro Bedas), neck (Griva Bedas), eye (Dhrishti Bedas), hands (mudras) and legs (Adavus). While the dance itself is appealing, what makes it more vibrant is the costume and makeup. It is learned that presently, Bharatanatyam is taken as a career by many. Many people choose to learn Carnatic music along with Bharatanatyam as they go together. Most contemporary performances are given on the stage. In short, Bharatanatyam is a sacred form of art that beautifully communicates emotions to the world. Sacred, Pure and beautiful just about sums it up!
And for that matter, Ruth Prithika was a perfect example and an exponent of Bharatanatyam, who not only showcased the various dance forms, its elements and themes but also delivered the message from the Gospel made for a perfect “Easter Sunday”, which she brought the testaments to life through her scintillating and mesmerizing performance. The show titled ” Krista Patha”, which lasted for nearly 2 hours, was a unique full-fledged performance on the Bible depicted through the ancient Indian dance form, and on the ‘Easter’ theme. The show gave the essence of the entire Bible right from the Book of Genesis to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ in all five compositions of the dance form.
Speaking to Team Mangalorean, Ruth said, “Kristha Patha is a unique Bharatanatyam recital based on the Biblical themes of faith, hope and love shown by Jesus Christ himself to mankind. The repertoire begins with a Pushpanjali based on the seven days of creation, followed by the birth of Jesus, His ministries, His sacrifice on the cross and resurrection. It ends with a message that the risen Christ continues to dwell in the hearts of mankind, guiding them in the path of righteousness. All the dance compositions are within the framework of a Bharatanatyam Margam. Fresh mudras created to depict Jesus and his symbolism was indeed satisfying. All five parts were carefully created in accordance with the Natya Kala and culture-defining a spiritual path too. Padam was from John’s Gospels and Kirthana depicted genuinely the feelings of the Samaritan woman by the well and was a moving experience. Thillana was very special and spellbinding taken from Mark Chapter: 16 of the Bible.The scope for variations is vast from the Bible”.
Ruth owes her accomplishment and credits of her performance to her teacher Vidushi Smt. Vidyashree Radhakrishna Bhat, to her parents Dr Roshan Maben and Dr E V S Maben. Adding to the support from her teacher and her parents, she says that her regular dance practice since November 2017, she is looking forward to taking this unique concept to greater heights on bigger platforms. She further said, “It is Easter and what better way to spread the word of God than using my talent. While the concept is brand new, the makers ensured that the performance adhered to the traditional framework of Bharatnatyam. There was no change in style. We only imbibed the concept. It was my father who conceptualized the idea and penned the lyrics. My music teacher gave the lyrics a poetic form, got the music recorded from internationally-recognized artistes in Bengaluru, and choreographed the performance.
Inaugurating the show “Krista Patha”, Bishop of Mangaluru diocese Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza said, ” This is indeed a unique Bharatanatyam repertoire based on Biblical themes of faith, hope and love shown by Jesus Christ himself to mankind, performed with grace and poise by Ruth Prithika. She has gracefully showcased through her Bharatanatyam performances the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus. We all need to commend Ruth for her talents and she is no doubt an inspiration for all of us”. Bishop emeritus CSI Karnataka Southern Diocese Dr C L Furtado; Ruth Prathika’s Guru Vidushi Smt Vidyashree Radhakrishna, Ruth’s parents Dr Roshan Maben and Dr E V S Maben; Senior Art Critic Udupi Vidwan Prathibha Samaga; Fr Leo D’souza Sj-Former Rector of St Aloysius Institutions- Mangaluru, were among many other VIPs that graced the occasion.
Also speaking to Team Mangalorean Vidushi Smt. Vidyashree Radhakrishna, the Founder of ‘ Gaana Nrithya Academy’ said, “I love challenges. This performance, created using the narration in the Holy testaments, shows the vastness of Indian classical dance forms. The basic idea of classical dance forms is storytelling. It isn’t restricted to any religion since I strongly believe that Bharatnatyam is in itself a language. In this show ‘Krista Patha’ the biggest challenge was that unlike depicting Shiva and Krishna, whose mudras are mentioned in Bharatanatyam, I had to create Mudras and costumes suiting Jesus. We had to start from scratch. We were able to do it, and I am glad people appreciated it. I am proud of Ruth Prithika since she gave a marvelous performance”
About Vidushi Ruth Prithika:
Ruth Prithika, daughter of Dr Roshan Maben and Dr E V S Maben of Shivabagh, Mangaluru, is currently pursuing computer science engineering at NMAMIT, Nitte. She has been learning Bharatanatyam since the tender age of five. She has successfully completed her Vidwath exam in Bharatanatyam and junior grade in Carnatic music. She has performed with the Gaana Nritya Academy at various stages in and around the country. She has also performed at the Doordarshan studio in Delhi for Prasar Bharati during the ABU Dance festival in 2016. She is also been trained in Kathak and Odissi dance forms through the workshops organised by the Academy.
Stating that Vidhushi Ruth Prithika is the first to get the title of Vidhushi in Protestant Christian community (CSI), Ruth hitched her wagon to the stars and enthralled audiences and judges in various district, state and national level programmes and competitions. Along with other artistes of GNA, Ruth performed for Dhoordharshan, New Delhi, sculpting for herself the stature of National Level Artiste. All the accolades won are well-deserved as Ruth has successfully completed her Junior, Senior and Vidhwath exams of Bharatha Natyam. Complementing the dance form is her prowess in violin and piano. The highest echelon of accomplishment is her academic brilliance in her educational pursuit of Engineering Degree at NMAMIT, Nitte after her earlier education at St. Theresa’s and Lourdes Central School, both schools in Mangaluru
In this fast-paced world of consumerism and materialism, well-informed and clear-sighted youth, blessed with worthwhile talents can be the ambassadors of change and ensure the health of a society. Ruth, undoubtedly, is one such youngster and if she is in the right place, at the right time, she can create wonders in the magical and mystical world of Bharatanatyam.
About Gaana Nrithya Academy and its Founder Vidushi Smt Smt. Vidyashree Radhakrishna Bhat:
Gaana – Nritya Academy, the centre for Indian music and dance is creating the awareness of these arts since 1994. In a short span of one decade, the institution is touching the lives of hundreds of children and shaping their dreams and aspirations with a living tradition music and dance. It has been spread its branches not only in the cities but also many of rural places in the district Dakshina Kannada, through which it ensures the preservation of our heritage for future generations. By producing many of stage choreographies it is not only appreciated by the scholars and critics, also educating and entertaining the commons.
Smt. Vidyashree Radhakrishna is imparting music and dance lessons and training students for Karnataka state Education Board exams, other state and national scholarship exams, competitions and TV programmes. Vidushi Smt. Vidyashree Radhakrishna is a disciple of Shanthala awardee Sri Muralidhar Rao, Mysore and Vidwan Srinatha Marate. She continues learning dance under Padmashri Guru Adyar K. Lakshman Chennai. Born in an artist’s family she started learning both classical music and Bharathanatyam at the age of five, she then established music and dance institution called Gaana – Nritya Vidya Peeta in 1994, to promote Indian Arts.
Along with the art field, she was equally good at academics too. She perceived BBM from Mangalore University, B.A.(lit.) from IGNOU, Diploma Course in Aptech and M.A.(lit.) from KSOU, presently she is perceiving M Music through Madras University. She is one among few who have excelled both in dance and music fields together. Some of her Achievements: Participated in many workshops including Odissi dance camp of Padmashree Kiran Seghal, New Delhi and Bharatha Nritya Workshop of Padmabhushana Dr. Padma Subramanyam, Chennai, twice; TMA Pai Udayavani Datti Award; Secured 1st place in Bharathanatyam competition in ‘Vishwaroopa’ national festival held at Udupi Matt; Composed music and dance for many team programmes.
Received many title and awards from different recognized organizations including “Karnataka Jyothi”; Choreographed several dance ballets viz, ‘Sri Ram Leela’, ‘Daksha Yajna’, ‘Parashuram’, ‘Sri Krishna Leela’, ‘Dashavatara’, ‘Navarasa Ramayan’, ‘Virata Parva’, ‘Jwalamukhi – Ambe’, Rutu Shringara’ etc; Performed at many prestigious stages in Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Kerala, Maharashtra & New Delhi; Received Odissi Training from Smt. Geethanjali Acharya of Bhuvaneshwar, disciple legendary Guru Sri Kelucharan Mahapatra.
She established the institution at her very young age of 16, by taking all the responsibilities of its development, facing many challenges with great courage, by balancing the academics. Being very passionate about dance and music, she rejected all the job opportunities and took art as her profession. Now she is one among the creative young artists of Karnataka.
Guru Vidyashree Radhakrishna-Established the institution in 1994, choreographed several solo, group and thematic ballets and performed all over India and abroad. Many of her students have won state, national and International level competitions and received scholarships and awards. She is a graded artiste of Doordarshan. Having expertise in both Bharatanatyam and Carnatic vocal, she has not only conceptualized and presented several child-friendly ballets but also scripted and choreographed concept based traditional repertoires. As a director, she has organized several festivals such as Aarohana, Nrityadhara and Nrityaniranthara under the banner of GNA.