Jago Art Centre, US stages “Rainbow in a Heart”

The dance drama is an interplay of magic and beauty. Photo Courtesy: Fahin Arafin Evan

Cultural organisation Jago Art Centre, based in Maryland, USA, staged the dance drama “Rainbow in a Heart” at the National Theatre Hall, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, on January 6. The dance drama is written by Sharmin Ahmad and choreographed by Rosemary Mitu Gonsalves.
“The Rainbow in a Heart” is the first dance drama being performed by the Jago Art Centre, Maryland. It is a tale of magic, beauty and inspiration. The dance drama symbolically connects heaven and earth in a thought provoking way.
The dance drama started with a traditional Bangladeshi folk item. At times, a fusion of different dance elements drew the attention of the audience.
The drama revolves around a dream of Amrita, a child from an alien planet (an allusion to heaven). The drama depicts anomalies like deforestation, lack of bonding between mother and child--which result in peace and happiness becoming ever elusive. Amrita observes the anomalies and prays for the true mother who will save us all.
The nearly hour-long show ended with a positive message. It showed that just as a true mother can save her child through a demonstration of love and affection, mother earth will save us if we show some true affection towards her.
Several adolescents performed in the drama, especially during the chorus. However, the production left a good deal to be desired.
Estela Rego enacted the role of Amrita; Rosemary Mitu Gonsalves played her mother, who symbolised the earth. Among others, M.R. Waseque, Christine Rosario, Sharmin Parvez, Shammi Yasmin and Jashoa Drishtanto Gonsalves performed in the dance drama.
M.R. Waseque also did the music, while Irene Parvin was the costume designer.
In 2005, Sharmin Ahmad, the author of the dance drama, met Rosemary Mitu Gonsalves, the artistic director of Jago Art Centre. After reading the book, Rosemary was inspired and envisioned a musical dance drama.
Among others, Abul Kalam Azad, Minister for Information and Cultural Affairs, and Liaquat Ali Lucky, director general, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, attended the show.
Another show of the dance drama was held yesterday at the same venue.
The US-based Jago Art Centre is a chain of the same organisation. Renowned dance master Gauhar Jamil formed the organisation in 1959. Rosemary Mitu Gonsalves, a student of Gauhar Jamil, opened the US centre in 2003.