Avaas – A unique fusion of Bharatnyatam and Manipur classical dance

Rajmani Ayekpam *

Experimenting fusion with any dance form is very much alien to Manipuri classical dance. Geographically, Manipur is isolated from the rest of India and its culture is also different from other parts of India. From earlier period, Manipuris are conservative and not to free mixing with other communities.

For Manipuris, war is the only communicating means with outside world. Trade and commerce with other communities comes much later. However, during the reign of King Bhagyachandra Singh, Manipuris was not only exposed its defense to outside world but also its door to culture. The famous Rasa leela and other performing arts were coming up during this period. So, king Bhagyachandra's period is the golden age of Manipuri culture.

Though Manipuri classical dance began its journey much earlier but its modernity comes much later. Still some of the diehard promoters of Manipuri classical dance do not agree with liberalism in Manipuri classical dance. Any experiment other than well guarded forms may alien to Manipuri classical dance.

Famous doyen of Manipuri classical dance, Guru Maisnam Amubi brought some modernity to Manipuri classical dance e.g. Manipuri Classical Solo Dance. After that, others doyen of Manipuri classical dance followed the footstep of Guru Amubi. However, modernity in Manipuri classical dance is still a slow starter.

Fusion of Manipuri classical dance with other dance form is still one of the boldest attempts in the journey of Manipuri classical dance. However, Lianda Folk and Classical Academy, Nagamapal Soram Leirak, Imphal is bold enough to experiment Manipuri classical with another Indian classical dance Bharatnyatam.

Lianda Folk and Classical Academy's latest production 'AVAAS', conglomeration of Manipuri classical dance and Bharatnyatam was premier on Friday, the 23rd of April, 2014, the last day of Tarunkumar Fest (1st National Dance Drama & Ballet Festival 2014) which was held at Progressive Artiste Laboratory (PAL)'s auditorium, Lamboikhongnangkhong, Uripok, Imphal.

The presentation was conglomeration of Manipuri classical artistes from Lianda Folk and Classical Academy and Bharatnyatam dancer Kausalya Srinivasan from Chennai. Though Manipur has a rich history of dance and music but any attempt in fusion of Manipuri classical dance with any other classical dance of outside Manipur is a rare happening.

Shri N. Tiken Singh is the director & music of the dance drama while Smt. Aribam Rasheshwori Devi is the choreographer. Casts and credits of this dance drama are as follows.

On stage – Th. Hiramoti Singh (Brahma / Budha), Ronald Meitei (Harigriva), Shantikumar Sharma (Hiranyakausipu / Brihupati / Vali), Krishnananda Sharma (Prahlada / child Vamana), Robikanta Sharma (Vamana), Prabitra (Rama) & chorus – Shanti Meitei, Devan Sharma, Rabichandra Sharma, Robikanta Singh, Ranjan Sharma, Ronald Meitei, Ranjan Singh, Roberto Singh, Robert Singh, Jeena, Piyainu Chanu, Kiranbala Devi, Loijing Devi, Nandita Devi, R.K. Jenny, Sonia Devi, Romita Devi, Sangeeta Devi, Bandana Devi, Leisana Devi, Babita Devi, Purnima Sinha, Asha Sinha, Gaitri Devi, Jorita Devi and Joshini Devi.

Off stage – Soram Sharat Singh (Asst. Director), T. Dwijamani Sharma (Script / slock), L. Shanti & M. Jeena (Asst. Choreography), T. Dwijamani Sharma (Asst. Music Director), Laishram Sarat Singh (Costume Designer), P. Pabbitra Sharma & S. Devan Sharma (Costume), O. Robikanta Singh & T. Piyainu Devi (Make-up), R.K. Jeena Devi & W. Kiranbala Devi (Stage), L. Ibochouba Singh (Light) and orchestras – H. Bhagat Singh (Violin), RK Upendra (Percussion), T. Dwijamni Sharma (Percussion), I. Robert (Percurssion), L. Milan Singh (Violin), Prithibiraj (Moibung & Bansi), Geetarani Devi, Pintu Devi and Roma Devi (playback singers) etc.

This dance drama is based on ten incarnations of Geeta Govinda's Dasa Avatar written by famous poet Jayadev. Among the trinity of Hindu Gods, Vishnu is believed to be the preserver while Brahma as creator and Mahaeshwor as destroyer. In order to protect good from evils Lord Vishnu incarnated from time to time, generally known as Dasa-Avatar.

The ten incarnations (Dasa-Avatar) of Lord Vishnu are – Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Naraimsimha, Vamana, Prasurama, Rama, Haladhara, Budh and Kalki. This dance drama is a conglomeration of Manipuri classical dance with Bharatnaytam.

The major portion of this dance drama is based on late Guru Thingbaijam Babu Singh's composition of Dasa Avatar while Kausalya Srinivasan from Chennai put-up Bharatnyatam side. Best look of this dance drama was the director and the choreographer of this dance drama beautifully intertwined these two classical dances, Manipuri and Bharatnyatam.

Earlier form of Dasa Avatar is like the collection of some forms of classical Manipuri solo dance but in this Avaas, choreographic group dance. Moreover, makes a complete story line. Between the storyline, intervention of Kausalya's Bharatnyatam makes this dance drama more beautiful and represented the symbol of unity in diversity.

Music used in this dance drama is exotic but meaningful. To costume part, using of particular community's costume should be little careful. Among the participants, Krishnananda's performance in the role of Prahlada and child Vamana is worth to mention. The overall performance of this dance drama is commendable one.