Huge masks, over decorated costumes and heavy accessories altogether made the splendid performance of the sagacious epic marking the Independence Day celebration.
The mythological tale ‘Ramayana’ was wondrously performed here on Monday at Madhya Pradesh School of Drama (MPSD). Directed by Shanti Vardhan, the legendary story was performed in a ballet form by the artists of Ranga Sri little Ballet Troupe, Bhopal.
This is novel composition combined the features of ballet and puppet play. It presented a folkloristic version of the Ramayana in the manner of the Rajasthani Puppet play. It was first performed in 1953 at Jai Hind College, Mumbai and till now it holds its charisma and charm.
The dance belongs to Orissa and the movements of the human puppets are stylised and all dancers wear square masks on their faces, crowns and headgears are modeled and painted. The performers created the illusion of the wooden, head- heavy puppet, but gave skilful execution an almost fantastic animation to the faces.
The theme of the Ramayana was aptly introduced in the context of a village fair, with peasants and their women folk milling around in the excitement of the market. In the background rival showmen are trying to attract revelers to their respective entertainments.
The Puppet Masters began to show their marionettes, while the drummer announces the main attraction of the performance. A brief invocation to the spirits of the original characters accompanies the transition from the real life scene of the fair to the puppet stage, and preludes the action.
The students of MPSD enjoyed the show whole-heartedly and excitement. The audiences loved the show. As the story of lord Rama was showcased through the puppet cum ballet dance, it was a unique presentation that left the audience enthralled.
It is a bit difficult to perform with heavy masks and highly decorated costumes but the artists managed do perform the show with perfection. The stage setting and lighting added life in the performance leaving the viewers mesmerised.