Shadhona has always been a forerunner of creating experimental productions. On the stage of the Hay Festival on November 15, Shadhona staged its latest production From Finite to Infinite and again the group of multitalented personas received kudos from a houseful audience.
Besides a number of spectacular dance recitals, From Finite to Infinite presents a precise description of different philosophies which lie behind various mystical performances in the deltaic region of Bengal.
The show began with an exposition of Charya dance—an ancient ritual dance which dates back over more than 1000 years and is a religious discipline of the priests of Kathmandu, who perform the dance as part of their esoteric meditation practices, ceremonies, and rituals.
With dazzling orange attire, a lady with the avatar of Bajrayogini, the deity of wisdom, presents a graceful recital and later four dancers accompany her synchronised to a song depicting the distinctiveness of the goddess.
The segment featured a special solo performance of by Rajendra Shrestha from Kalamandapa of Kathmandu. With a golden tiara and outstanding wear, the veteran entertained the dance lovers with his controlled moves.
Well-known artistes from the Manipuri community of Moulvibazaar, Sylhet – Sri Gaurhori Chatterjee, Ojha Kanung and Babu Chand Singh—performed traditional music of the community which was enriched with a charming dance recital by Sweety Das and her team.
Two duet dance pieces on Tagore songs Anondoloke and Aji Nahi Nahi Nira Akhipate were displayed presenting the spiritual practice of Brahmo Somaj, a religious movement which played a significant role in the renaissance of India and the roots of much of the modern thinking in India can be traced back to the movement.
Unlike the typical Rabindra dance, the soothing recitals which fuse western styles and eastern expressions simply captivated the audience.
The final segment demonstrated the mysticism of Bauls, the most familiar and perhaps, the strongest spiritual practitioners of the region.
A bunch of young and energetic dancers performed with two songs of Lalon, considered as the greatest leader of the wandering minstrels. With contemporary dance moves and music consisting powerful western beats, the show ended up spreading a magical energy.
