Colourful feature

A DANCE-DRAMA based on the life and works of the 12th century Sanskrit poet, Jayadeva, will be presented by the Sifas Performing Arts Company of Singapore at the Music Academy hall on February 28 under the auspices of Brahma Gana Sabha.

What is interesting about ``Mirror of Love'' is that it not only focusses on the songs known as the Ashtapadis to highlight the many splendoured moods of love, but also unveils the psyche of the author Jayadeva, his life, his love.

The Bhakti element is naturally predominant in this poet's life. In fact, in parts of Orissa and Bengal, where his songs are an everyday feature in temples, Jayadeva is looked upon as a saint.

The Radha Krisha theme no doubt affords ample scope for nritya in the production. When the mood is joyous and the lovers meet, the dances sparkle with footwork and lyrical movements. When separation clouds the air with longing, the stage is filled with the mellow shades of delicate nuances in expression.

A group of experienced dancers come together to create all the variety that such a play can present the viewer.

Rich in costume and colour, the ``Mirror Of Love'' should make the discerning public of Chennai sit up and watch.

This production has been choreographed by Girish Kumar Panicker who has been teaching and performing in Singapore for nearly four years.

After graduating from Kalakshetra, he has been active both as performer and teacher, besides designing costumes. Featured with him is Priyalatha Arun, a leading dancer of Singapore who has been at the forefront of various dance related activties in Singapore including television.

In charge of the musical aspects is Babu Patameshwaran of Chennai, who has thrown his might into the making of this production.

A variety of musicians are led by him to give the dance the advantage of being enhanced by arresting rhythms and mellifluous melodies. The Singapore dancers will be joined by a corps de ballet formed by students of Jayanthi Subramaniam.

The Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society has been earnestly promoting Indian music and dance in Singapore for half a century.

The talent of both teachers and performers in Singapore has grown considerably that an ideal way to promote it has been the establishment of a professional company - Sifas Performing Arts Company.

LAKSHMI VISWANATHAN

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