Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra presents the 40th edition of ‘Krishna’ at 6.30pm from September 2nd to 5th, 2015 additional 3pm matinee shows on September 4th and 5th, 2015 at Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi
“No one should abandon duties because he sees defects in them. Every action, every activity, is surrounded by defects as a fire is surrounded by smoke.” – Krishna Quotes from The Bhagavad Gita
“Krishna” the icon of endearing childhood pranks and cauldron of immense wisdom, who draws the perfect balance between life’s paradoxes and in that offers a path that presents the possibility of pushing a track that allows beings to live a wholesome life, within the parameters of life’s tribulations from which there is no escape. Enunciation of the basic truths of life unfold within Lord Krishna’s innumerable anecdotes, that emerge in the narration of his life’s tales, that have perpetually inspired, not only in their traditional context, but also their contemporary relevance. Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra, raises the curtain on the much awaited “Krishna”, where Padamshri, Shobha Deepak Singh (Director – Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra) master of Direction and Production, presents the legend, abounding with folklore and praise that has enthralled for over three thousand years.
The 40th edition of Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra’s “Krishna” delineates between the Krishna of the Mahabharata and the butter stealing Krishna, where the two independent entities merge into one, the ballet bestows a unique persona on the two entities. The presentation opens, encapsulating the heartwarming episodes around the makhan chor, Govardhan, kaliya raas etc, tracing his journey to the centre stage of human reverence. The scintillating production presents the beloved of Radha and the omnipotent Lord Krishna, where his presence excudes wisdom, dignity and infallible strength offering the greatest examples for living a wholesome life via tenets expressed in the revered Bhagwad Gita, offering real life practical solutions, rather than pursuing ambiguous diktats of “right” and “wrong”. Padamshri Shobha Deepak Singh through meticulous vision and execution presents, all aspects of Lord Krishna’s persona endowing a fascinating energy to the production. Scintillating choreography, lighting, costumes, sound, technical support and ambience create a suitable background that contribute to making all her productions heartwarming. Even in the presentation of violence, despite all odds, there emerges hope for eventual peace, despite apparent chaos in the present.
In “Krishna”, the dynamics of the Mahabharata, where man isolates and sets himself against his brethren is laid open before an audience that easily empathises and expands, with the understanding of the larger landscape. The plot rests on a fulcrum of violence which eventually secures harmony in a peaceful and significant manner. The solutions to the carnage being offered on the same battlefield. The dynamics of the historical Kurukshetra war have continued through epochs to present day times, when the message of victory and redemption are more pertinent today, than ever before.
Padamshri Shobha Deepak Singh initiated memorable presentations in 1969, with ‘Karna’, ‘Meera’, ‘Shree Durga’ and ‘Khajuraho’ that have quietly understood and withstood the strain of time. Other memorable productions presented through the ages include Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra’s Sitayan (1969), Meera Bai (1970), Geet Govind (1971), Meghdoot (1973), Azadi-ke-Ore (1973), Urvashi (1974), Ramcharitmanas (1974), Kathak Sequences (1974), Glimpses from Lord Krishna’s life (1975), Dharti-ka-Vivah (1975), Kenopanishad (1975), Mahabir (1976), Surdas (1976), Krishnavatar (1977), Jagdev (1977), Konark (1978), Kathak Sequences (1978), Kaling Vijay (1979), Shan-E-Mughal (1981), Yayati (1982), Bahubali (1982), Masks (1983), Shakuntala (1983), Anarkali (1985), Chaitra Parv (1986), Kamayani (1987), Buddha (1988), Mahadev (1989), Hari (1990), Tirupurantak (1991), Chakravyuha (1993), Parikrama (1994), Krishna-Katha (1996), The Farce of Drunken Sports and the Saint Courtesan (1999), Kimapi (2000), The Mystic Bride and the Sacred Witch (2002), Bharatanatyam Ensemble Works (2003), Dance of Shiva (2003), Margam (2004) and Kamayani (2005).
On the fall of the curtain, emotions and learnings from the presentation offer reassurance in Krishna’s quote from the Bhagavad Gita, “Whenever dharma declines and the purpose of life is forgotten, I manifest myself on earth. I am born in every age to protect the good, to destroy evil, and to reestablish dharma.” Therein offering the possibility of pursuing a path of fulfillment within the parameters of one’skarrna, offering release from all that weighs one down and negates progress, presenting a light of hope on a path discovered to reinforce faith in the basic truths of the dynamics of life and the wisdom of Krishna’s utterances.
KRISHNA : Credits
Choreography : SHASHIDHARAN NAIR & SHOBHA DEEPAK SINGH * Choreographic Inputs : RAJKUMAR SHARMA * Music : PANDIT SHIV PRASAD, SHELLY DUTTA, BARUN KUMAR GUPTA & SHUBHA MUDGAL *Script : NEELABH * Songs : SHANTI SHARMA, VINAY BHIDE, SHUBHA MUDGAL * Dialogues : MANOHAR SINGH & HEMA SAHAI * Costumes & Ornaments : SHOBHA DEEPAK SINGH * Sets : KESHAV KOTHARI * Produced & Directed by: SHOBHA DEEPAK SINGH
