JOIN USDance drama dedicated to Gurudev
Bengal, with her plurality of religions and her multiple linguistic forms and dialects, has heard contesting voices and seen reciprocities and assimilations from the beginning of her history.
In consequence, a fascinating kaleidoscope of ideas and expressions are present in her cultural tradition. To celebrate Bengal Impresario India presented ‘Panorama of Bengal’s Art Heritage’, a three-day festival.
Contributions of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore have been an integral part of the Heritage of Bengal’s culture. During the last 20 years, Impresario India has made dedicated efforts to revive, promote and propagate the diverse forms of art heritage.
Impresario India convened the three-day Festival – Panorama of Bengal’s Art Heritage - to showcase some of this rich plurality in the cultural tradition of Bengal.
The content of the Festival programmes highlighted areas of what we were, what we have become and what the future promises.
Opening on April 21 with a few patriotic songs, the Festival showcased a short programme of dance drama based on songs and rhymes which are gradually fading into oblivion.
This was presented by children of Muktomon – a group drawn up from all communities. This was be followed by a Tagore’s Play Bostomi. Widely believed to be based on the poet’s own experience from his visits to his countryside home at Shilaidah, it narrated the story of a woman and her tryst with tragedy, loneliness, spiritualism and renunciation.
The second evening on April 22 showcased recitations and songs of Tagore which was followed by a dance choreography Rajendranandini based on Tagore’s Chitrangada.
The compositions included a mixed choreography of tradition and modernity, i.e. in Chhau and contemporary styles.
On the last day, i.e. April 23 the Festival presented - a seldom visited passage in Tagore’s Life - through readings, songs, rare audio visual footage and dance explore. Titled Bashay Fera Danarr Shobdo, the programme was conceived and presented by the UK based actor-singer Ananda Gupta with artists from Kolkata and Delhi.
After the mesmerising event Ananda said, “I have been staying in UK for sometime now due to my work. I have learnt Rabindra Sangeet from Dakhinee Calcutta.
I have been propagating the art of Rabindranath Tagore in UK as well. I have been presenting a lot of things and dedicating a lot of things to Gurudev.”