The Mayurbhanj Chhau left the Bhopalites spellbound with a splendid performance. The Mayurbhanj Chhau dance was performed at Mayaram Srijan Bhavan here on Sunday.
The artists of Kirti Ballet and Performing Arts Troupe, Bhopal gave a scintillating performance. The dance performances was choreographed by Chhau experts from Odisha Shivcharan Mohanto.
It is to be noted that the event marked the conclusion of a Chhau Dance workshop that was held at Mayaram Srijan Bhavan this month. The series of brilliant performances began with Panch Sakha beautifully.
Next the artists with War dance left the audience mesmerized. The series of performances ended with Chasi Mulya.
Basically, the themes for chhau dance include local legends, folklore and episodes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata and other abstract themes. The protagonists are both classical and mythical, like the Lord Shiva, goddess Durga, Kartik, Ganesha, Kirat, Ravana, Mahishasur and others.
The Mayurbhanj Chhau dance is performed in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. Usually people recognize Chhau dance with heavy masks and the folklore told in extravagant way. But, the Mayurbhanj Chhau dance is practiced without masks. Besides, the themes for chhau dance include local legends, folklore and other abstract themes.
The artists presented the arrow practice of the Pandavas and narrated a short story of a fisherman through the dance drama. Further, the lighting effect was such that explains the expression of the scene. The use of red, green and blue light effect strengthened their performance and it was more like an opera performance.