The Chitrasena Dance Company presents Indian Odissi dance show

“Songs of Love and Longing” is the meaning of the “Sriyah” dance show performed at the Lionel Wendt theatre on Friday, 7th November 2014. It was presented by the Chitrasena Vajira Dance Foundation in aid of their Endowment Fund for artistes and featured the “Nrityagram Dance Ensemble” from Odisha in Eastern India, performing Odissi.

Originally a sacred ritual dedicated to the gods, Odissi is one of the oldest dance traditions in the world being performed as far back as 200 BC. Odissi speaks of love and union, between human and divine and the Nrityagram Dance Village is located outside Bangalore, India.

Photo courtesy Chitrasena Dance Company Facebook page

The performance was based on the concept of “Eka aharya” abhinaya(acting or histrionics) where a dancer does not wear a different costume or make up to express the gender of a character. The pursuit of this aspect of abhinaya required experience and a deep exploration of the human metaphor as part of the Universal Self that cannot be defined as male or female, real or illusion, true or false.

Comments from the audience

“The technique was excellent.  Very very good.” - Max Bastiansz

“The show was wonderful.” - Magda Aghababyan

“It was absolutely fantastic.” - Nalin Vitarana

“I was a pupil of Vajira’s so I come for all her shows. They are of a very high standard.” - Soma Vitarana

“The dances were amazing.” - Vasana Vaas

“Excellent show.” - Anusha Gunasekera

By Sirohmi Gunesekera
Photos of audience members by Kushan Pathiraja