Krishna’s romantic escapades, Radha’s anguish as she restlessly waits for him and the inevitable lovers reunion after a squabble, all formed the part of Ragakavya, an engaging dance performance at Yavanika  last week.

Between ornamental umbrellas and little heaps of flowers, the evening performance, gave Bangaloreans a glimpse of Odissi and Manipuri forms set to Jayadeva’s lyrical poem ‘Geetha Govinda’. The popular songs mainly spoke of the love between Krishna and Radha, and described their many romantic misadventures.

Organised jointly by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Directorate of Kannada & Culture, Directorate of Youth Services and Sports, and the Young Writers and Artists Guild, the ballet started with an invocation to Lord Vishnu. The audience began to gradually warm up to the fluid movements of Manipuri and Odissi, as Suman Sarawgi from Kolkata enacted the Dashavatar of Vishnu.

The contrastingly energetic performance by Sharmila Mukerjee, a show in grace and poise, had a blushing Radha tell her friend about a clandestine meeting with Krishna in the forest.

In the next song, Jayadeva describes how the spring torments the young maidens of the forest. Radha  pines for her Madhava and is unable to think of anything else. Her companions try to distract her, before giving up and deciding to convince Krishna to visit her. Young artists Divya Prasad and Chintamani, gave wholehearted performance as Radha’s friends, at once playful and concerned. The evening ended with Radha (Sharmila) forgiving Krishna (Suman) his infidelities after Krishna proclaims his undying love for her.

Among the different pieces, Radha and her two friends dancing in the forest stood out for its choreography (by Sharmila) and synchronisation  between the artists. The music, though recorded, sounded authentic and straight from eastern India. The rather unique instrumental piece with the violin and sitar, was remarkable in the final ballet.