NEW DELHI: After devoting five years to thorough research, Pali Chandra, an accomplished Kathak artist, has brought to life the 12th-century Sanskrit poem ''Gita Govinda' which narrates the divine love between Lord Krishna and Radha on the enchanting banks of the river Yamuna. The Nataysutra-Invis team based in Kerala has digitized the Kathak performance of all 24 songs from Jayadeva's celebrated poem, as announced by the organization on Wednesday.
This program has been meticulously crafted based on the principles outlined in 'Natya Shastra' and 'Abhinaya Darpana,' enabling students of various dance forms to benefit from its content. Each class encompasses detailed explanations, choreography tips, teaching and demonstrations, as well as live performances. The centerpiece of this offering is the "Poem in Action," which beautifully embodies the essence of 'Gita Govinda' through expressive abhinaya, complemented by an audio rendition of the English translation of this classical text.
Pali Chandra, based in Switzerland and the guiding force behind the digitized content, imparts her expertise to students, assisting them in mastering their stage performances and adapting to new media platforms. She delves into the profound meanings and subtleties of the choreography, while also providing insights into the musical compositions and dance vocabulary.
Reflecting on the timeless significance of this classic text, Chandra expressed that even though Jayadeva's world has undergone significant changes in the past eight centuries, his tale of longing, suffering, and eventual fulfillment continues to resonate deeply in the hearts of people today.
"The tale of Lord Krishna and Radha epitomizes the essence of ancient India's profound understanding of love, faith, and the very essence of life. The influence of 'Gita Govinda' extends beyond dance and music, permeating various art forms of the subcontinent. This digitized documentation serves as an invaluable reference for future generations," shared the 56-year-old dancer. Nataysutra, a flagship project of the esteemed content developer Invis Multimedia, offers different subscription periods, ranging from one to five years, granting access to the digitized content.
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