Venkat Raman
While the modern world is striving to achieve empowerment of women and gender equality in polity, economy and the society, these were prescribed and practiced in Hinduism thousands of years ago.
Hindu mythology and scriptures depict Woman as the Source of Power, according to her the Supreme status. A woman forms the core of the Universe; man and woman are considered in unity, and hence the concept of ‘better-half’ (Shiva-Shakthi or Parvathi in one form) and everything else.
The extolment of Woman appears complete with Mother reigning supreme. It is Mother Earth, Mother Nature, Mother Tongue, Motherland and so on.
Universal Energy
Shakthi is regarded as The Universal Energy and as the source of creation.
That would be the theme of a Dance Concert being put together by the Wellington based Mudra Dance Company.
Vivek Kinra, who has earned national and international acclaim for his mastery in Bharata Natyam is presenting what promises to be a spectacular Dance Concert.
Called, ‘Shakti: The Universal Energy,’ the Concert, choreographed and produced by him, will be held at the Lower Hutt Little Theatre, 2 Queens Drive, Lower Hutt at 730 pm on Friday, June 28 and Saturday, June 29 and at 4 pm on Sunday, June 30, 2019.
Tickets for the show, priced at $30 (Adult), $25 (Concession) and $25 (for groups of six or more) are now on sale at www.eventfinda.co.nz
Celebration of Grace and Beauty
Mr Kinra said that ‘Shakti’ is a dynamic dance work in celebration of the grace, beauty and strength of women.
“This celebration of women is portrayed through the depiction of the primordial mother Goddess Shakthi in her various forms and moods, from sublime Saraswathi to fierce Goddess Kali. Shakthi is a divine cosmic energy that represents feminine energy and the dynamic forces that move through the Universe. She is responsible for the creation and can be an agent of change, often being manifested to destroy demonic forces and restore balance in the universe,” he said.
As Goddess Durga, she represents the feminine aspect (of Energy or Power) of the One God (The Brahman), as well as the empowering and protective nature of motherhood.
“As Parvathi, she is the wife and energy behind Shiva, the Hindu God of destruction and rejuvenation. Parvathi symbolises fertility, marital happiness, devotion, power, and asceticism,” Mr Kinra said.
Innovative and Traditional
Shakti will be a powerful display of motion, colour, music, mime, and rhythm. The dances highlight Kinra’s choreography which combines innovative and traditional elements of dance. Characterised by exotic beauty and charm, Mudra Dance Company is a visual feast of brilliant sari colours, traditional headdresses of braids and flowers, and the sparkle of gorgeous jewellery.
Mr Kinra recorded the music for ‘Shakthi’ in India earlier this year, working with India’s acclaimed musicians to create something different for New Zealand audiences.
Kinra also procured hand-painted stage sets and completed the experience by creating colourful costumes with Chennai’s talented tailors. These will ensure a piece of India is brought alive to the Wellington stage.
About Vivek Kinra
Vivek Kinra is acclaimed in New Zealand and overseas as an exemplary exponent of Bharata Natyam. Shakti will be the culmination of his exceptional dance career in New Zealand since 1989.
‘Shakthi’ will provide a veritable opportunity for Mudra Dance Company to showcase professionalism Mr Kinra’s leadership.
Mudra Dance Company is working with ‘Karunai Illam’ established in 1987 by the late Writer Jean Watson in Nilakottai, a small town in Tamil Nadu. It is incorporated as a Charitable Trust in New Zealand and Mudra Dance Company is committed to raising funds to support the initiative and as homage to Ms Watson.
