Yet another extravagant production from the magical bowl Arusri Arts- “Mekala”
Arusri Arts Theatre needs no introduction in the current era as for the exceptional reputation they have earned of being innovative and creative in its numerous endeavors both locally and Internationally. Under the direction of Kalasuri Dr Arunthathy.Sri Ranganathan, the mother and the back bone of the whole theatre, the newest creation is Mekala. It is as a continuation of the epic Silapathikaram portrays with religious undertones, the story of the daughter of Kovalan and Madavi, who though born as a courtesan, dared to lead a life of chastity and charity and ultimately converts to a Buddhist nun. The ballet opens with a flashback from Silapathikaram wherein Madavi recollects her life with Mekala's father Kovalan. Having set the context the ballet on Manimekalai’s life story opens with episodes mostly dwelling on aspects of the performing arts.
The title Mekala ,an abbreviation for Manimekalai, written by the Tamil Buddhist poet Seethalai Chaathanaar presents beautiful episodes of one of the five great epics of Tamil Literature portraying the social, religious ,cultural and academic life of people during the early era of Tamil literary growth like the Silapathikaram, Civaka Cintamani, Valayapathi and Kundalakesi.
The title Mekala ,an abbreviation for Manimekalai, written by the Tamil Buddhist poet Seethalai Chaathanaar presents beautiful episodes of one of the five great epics of Tamil Literature portraying the social, religious ,cultural and academic life of people during the early era of Tamil literary growth like the Silapathikaram, Civaka Cintamani, Valayapathi and Kundalakesi.
The story of Manimekalai Is a sequel to Silapathikaram written by the illustrious Tamil poet Ilango Adigal of the 2nd century AD. Silapathikaram revolves around virtuous Kannagi, who having lost her husband Kovalan to a miscarriage of justice at the court of the Pandya King , wreaks her revenge on his kingdom. Kannagi the pathini Goddess is worshipped in India and Srilanka as pathini Deiyo. The introduction of Pathini cult by King Gajabahu 11 in Srilanka is not a myth.
In contrast Manimekalai tells with religious undertones the story of the daughter of Kovalan and Madavi, who though born a courtesan ,dared to lead a life of chastity and charity..As a continuation of Silapathikaram this epic describes how Mekala the beautiful daughter of Kovalan and Madavi ( the versatile court dancer ) converts to Buddhism.
Manimekalai is a poem in 30 cantos.The epic gives much information on the history of Tamil Nadu , Buddhism ,and its place during that period ,contemporary arts and culture ,and the customs of the times. The exposition of the Buddhist doctrine in the poem deals elegantly with the four Noble truths , dependent origination, mind and Buddhist practises like virtue and non-violence. Mekala later becomes a dedicated Buddhist nun.
The story is written around the harbour town, of Kaveri pattinam ,the modern town Puhar in Tamil
Nadu, and Nainatheevu ( Naga Deepa ) a small sandy Island of the Jaffna peninsula in Sri Lanka.
The epic is rich and complex ,dense and bursting with life ,intellectual and cultural energy. In this production, the ballet opens with a flashback from Silapathikaram wherein Madavi recollects her life with Mekalas father Kovalan . Having set the context the ballet on Manimekalai s life story opens in episodes dwelling mostly on aspects of the performing arts.
Madavi has performed eleven variety of dances in her Arangetram which is described in detail by Ilango Adihal in Silapathikaram. In todays production the producer has chosen a variety of dance styles to justify the exceptional talent of Madavi to give a touch of variation and glamour to the production.
Choreography has been done primarily in Bharathanatyam style merged with shades of Kathakali, Kathak, Mohini, Kuchipudi, Kalari, Contemporary, Folk, and Sri Lankan Kandyan dance forms, merging with Carnatic and Hindustani music.
Arusri Art Theatre over the years has been able to staple the prints of art in the hearts of both local and international audience. Dance dramas produced by the theatre such as ‘Ramayana’and ‘Sakuntala’ are still appreciated widely for the perfection and quality of dance. The theatre has not only spread the message of love within the island, but has also been fortunate to be invited to perform at several prestigious festivals, namely Oslo Mela in Norway, Ferde folk music and Dance festival, Shanghai Music and Dance festival, Voice of Asia festival in Kazhakstan, New opera House opening in Norway, International Ramayana festival in India and Indonesia, Anupavam, Narthana Mathuram, Soundarya Lahari, Glympses of Angkor Wat in Singapore, a collaboration with Apsaras Arts Singapore and numerous other multi cultural concerts on Ethnic Harmony – UNITY IN DIVERSITY
The theatre follows only the pure essence of love for art, no restriction of religion and cast are paid heed within the walls of the temple. As for this reason of diverse perspective and unity of ethic harmony, a unique style of performance has been adopted in the theatre which can not be copied else where. The sole foundation of such a unique blend is bedded by no other than Kalasuri Dr Arunthathy.Sri Ranganathan.
Kalasuri Dr Arunthathy Sri Ranganathan, a senior broadcaster, a reputed musician, composer, choreographer, media consultant and lecturer par excellence, is well known for her dynamic innovations in music compositions ,especially for dance and multi cultural concerts on ethnic harmony. She brought with her to the stage classical traditions of music and dance that gave relevance and meaning to the art form in its current age. Her choreography in music and dance is widely used by dancers. She is also the Art Director for many local and International art festivals and has won a number of Awards and titles, both National and International for her contributions to art and culture. She is a member in several prestigious boards, and artistic consultant for the music corporation project between Norway and Sri Lanka. She is a pioneer in bringing together to a common platform, the cream of the Sri Lankan artists, handpicked from diverse ethnicities. She has made a lasting contribution to the country's efforts towards national reconciliation through a refreshing medium -the performing Arts.
Let us all hold hands together and become a contribution towards the walk of unity. Enlighten our souls with “MEKALA” - A unique journey through divine music and dance.
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