'Jaanakiyan': a Kuchipudi Dance Drama

Kuchipudi Indian classical dance originates from the south Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Primarily a male dance drama tradition where female characters were also reprised by males, solo dances were incorporated in the dance form much later. While his dance style bears similarities with the more well-known classical dance style of Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi dancers are scintillating and quicksilver, with fluid and graceful movements.  A specialty of this dance style is the Tarangam, in which the dancer dances on the edges of a brass plate. The Bhamakalapam is the most popular dance drama in Kuchipudi, depicting the story of Satyabhama, the proud, beautiful and self-assured queen of Lord Krishna. The use of VachikaAbhinaya (words/dialogues) is also a unique feature of this style.

The unique drama Jaanakiyan is a feminist interpretation of the Indian epic Ramayana. Jaanakiyan features a vignette about the daughter of King Janaka - Seeta's sentience comes through by way of dance and verse. Her feelings about Rama and Raavana, the yin and yang; the passion, compassion, terrors and triumphs of her life are portrayed through the timeless magnificence of Kuchipudi and some exquisite Marathi poetry.

 In Jaanakiyan, the artists have crafted a powerful performance on the woman who could never voice out her feelings. It shows a change from the gentle, soft-spoken wife of Rama, who never questions her fate to a strong, independent woman who wipes her tears, and sharply questions her husband Rama. Jaanakiyan also portrays a more humane side of Raavana, who is always looked upon as the antagonist.

Seeta, according to the creators of Jaanakiyan reflects the sacred feminine. Metaphorically, the world is a stage for a modern day Ramayana – Seeta represents the women of today who have faced evils and injustice on their own, but are now questioning their fate and status in society, and demanding their share of rights.

 Jaanakiyan aims at propagating the Kuchipudi dance style in Maharashtra. As it is completely in Marathi, the dance is more accessible to the people in the state.

The dance drama has been choreographed by reputed Kuchipudi danseuse Guru Gayatri Ambekar. The music has been composed by Gandhaar Sangoraam, with lyrics penned by Mrs. Lalita Banthia. The singers are Savani Ravindra and Shruti Vishwakarma. The dialogues have been written by Mrs. Sudha Darda. Dancer Kohinoor Darda reprises the role of Seeta, while ShreetaAmbekar plays Rama.

For a small glimpse of the dance drama, please watch the video on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3Wc01547-U

- Kohinoor Darda. 

(Kohinoor Darda has been learning Kuchipudi for the last 14 years from Guru Gayatri Ambekar, she is also learning Bharatanatyam under Guru Dr. Swati Daithankar. She has performed all over India and in Paris, Germany and Sri Lanka.)