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349848
Tue, 12/02/2014 - 11:01
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Ramayana in opera form

'Ramleela', the dramatic re-enactment from the the Indian epic Ramayan, is being presented in an opera style production accompanied with orchestra music.
New Delhi, Dec 2 (PTI) Ramleela, the dramatic re-enactment from the the epic Ramayan, is being presented here in an opera style production accompanied with orchestra music. The production is set to be featured at the upcoming 5th International Ancient Arts Festival, which is themed on "Healing through Creative Arts across Cultures." "The festival will showcase the unity and spiritual significance of the world's culture through dance and music. While it has been a challenge to put together even one international collaborative work, we are choreographing two," says festival director Reela Hota. A classical Odissi dancer, Hota plays the rope of Sita in the upcoming production that has been directed by maestro Marco Pucci Catena from Italy. The dance-drama an enactment of the victory of Lord Rama over demon king Ravana, is a collaboration between artists from Italy, United States, France, Hungry and India. "International artists have been roped in for the role of Ram and Lakshman. I play the role of Sita in Odissi dance form. The 'Vanar Sena' (Monkey army) perform in Purulia Chhau dance form and demons perform Yakshagana from Karnataka," says Hota. "The festival seeks to highlight the importance of music, dance and vital therapeutic practices in traditional systems of healing. I am very flattered to take part in this project, because I think that music can teach education and logical reasoning to children and also to adults," says Raffaele Abette who plays the part of Lakshman. Scripted by Yoga Guru Bijoylaxmi Hota, music for the production has been provided by Pandit Rajan Sajan Mishra. Opera music has been composed by maestro Antonio Cocomazzi from Italy. "I think this merger of opera, characteristic of the Italian musical world, with music, theater and Indian dance is very interesting and challenging. I have tried to highlight the musical and spiritual aspect to express the deeds and virtues of Lord Rama," says Cocomazzi. The two-day arts festival is scheduled to begin from December 4 with a first performance "Antar Yatra" that takes it's cue from the infamous December 16 gangrape in 2012. The performance, a dance fusion of American Broadway and Indian classical styles, says Hota, is aimed at making people gender sensitive by enlightening them about the yogic 'chakras'. "A soul evolves from chakra to chakra. Each chakra has certain attributes, and a man's nature, as well as actions is governed by them. One can elevate oneself to a higher chakra, to be a better human being, and lead a more harmonious life. And that in turn can contribute towards creating a peaceful society," says Hota. The two performances are set to showcase 12 art forms over two days giving a glimpse of Broadway, ballet, Odissi, contemporary and modern dance as well as classical Indian dance forms on one stage. The festival is being supported by the Culture Ministry the Sangeet Natak Academy, ICCR, Italian Cultural Institute, Kerala Tourism, West Bengal Tourism and Karnataka Tourism. "It is exhilarating to collaborate with international artists. The challenge of the project was to communicate the essence behind this epic. The feelings each character goes through and to be able to portray it properly. I hope people like it and this project yields success," says Hota. PTI

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