2016
Radha Vadana (12th century Sanskrit poem)
The magnum opus text of Gitagovindà, written in 12th century AD, marks the epitome of classcial Sanskrit poetry in the Indian subcontinent. These poems are an indispensible part of the classical Odissi dance repertoire, and have been in vogue past 8 centuries in contunuum. I here perform the 22nd poem, from the 11th canto, to my original choreography - in classical repertoire of Odissi.
TÀU LAGI - Odissi abhinaya
With Radha on her way to her daily chores, adolescent Krishna is always the immediate obstacle. From obstructing Radha from fetching water from the river to begging her for milk and butter on false promises,
the charmer of the village is a daily nuisance, as Radha admits. But the intoxicating sounds of Krishna’s flute lay smitten her. Their love-hate relationship is clearly visible in the abhinaya through her mocking praises for his fame and then following for his infatuating love. But this love has hindrance of her marriage and vows to her family bonds, as she says.
The act further suggests Krishna dalliancing with cowherd woman carrying buttermilk and rowing them across river Yamuna, on demands of kisses. Radha proclaims not to fulfill any such cunning wishes. She asserts
her high status to Krishna’s upper clan and wants no rumors of her around the village. And with wit,
she then finally locks Krishna in a hut and walks off to her daily chores.
Raga: Folk tune
Taal: Tisra Ektaal
Composition: Pt. Bhuveshwar Misra
Lyrics: Banamali Das
Choreography: Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra