Dancing to Tagore compositions
Dancing to Tagore compositions
Pallavi Dance Centre, in association with US Embassy in Dhaka, premiered their latest production “Bishmaye Jagey Pran” at Experimental Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on April 8.
Based on Tagore songs and poetic verses, the production featured five elements of nature, known in Sanskrit as Panchabhuta – earth, water, fire, wind and ether (or space). Their presence is felt in God's creations being the constituent of all physical, sensual, mental and spiritual phenomena. In cohesion with other forces of nature, they sustain life and maintain the equilibrium of the planet. Without this rhythm in nature, the universe would cease to exist.
“Bishmaye Jagey Pran” incorporated several solo and choral songs including “Ektuku Chhoya Lagey”, “Pinaketey Lagey Tongkar”, “Mati Toder Daak Diyechhey”, “Dokhin Hawa Jago Jago” and Mahabishwe Mahakashey”. Tagore artistes Mita Haq, Bulbul Islam, Anima Roy and others lent their voices to the records. Swapan Pakrashi directed music for the production.
A number of dancers of the troupe performed in the production. Among them Kasturi Mukherjee, Shahidul Islam, Anik Bose, Salma Begum and Smita Dey donned the lead roles, but quite a few accompanying dancers could have performed better. Besides, the light design fell somewhat short in providing a good background to the performance that the production demanded.
Minu Haque, one of the leading exponents of classical dance in Bangladesh, choreographed and directed the production. She also designed costume for the production while chief dancer of the troupe Anik Bose was the assistant director. Debashish Roy scripted the production.