Odissi exponent Reela Hota shares details about her performance Ramleela in Opera. She tells Shrabasti Mallik that there is a need to fuse opera with classical forms to revive many traditional styles
We have witnessed so many interesting concepts and choreographies reaching out to youngsters, introducing them to the technicalities of classical Indian dance forms. One such attempt was presenting classical dance with opera. Taking the trend forward, mother-daughter duo of Bijoylaxmi Hota and Reela Hota has come up with a unique collaboration. Titled Ramleela in Opera, the performance will fuse the likes of Italian opera with Ramayana. “The entire performance is put together by using excerpts from the epic. We have focussed on the feeling and spirituality. Ramayana is not just any other book; it subtly shows how our conduct should be. It speaks to us about dharma. There are times when we are confused to take any decision but when we come to a conclusion, we feel peaceful inside. The USP of this fusion, however, is the subject of spirituality that it adheres to,” says Reela who is an Odissi danseuse herself.
The performance is part of the forthcoming fifth International Ancient Arts Festival (IAAF). The dance spans through many genres and therefore the entire performance is completely new. It is coming together of Italian opera, Yakshagana from Karnataka, Purulia Chaau from West Bengal and classical forms like Odissi, Kathak and Manipuri.
The dance will be accompanied by live opera music, composed by famous Italian composer Antonio. What Reela feels will strike a chord with the audience is the way the entire choreography is conducted. “The concept belongs to my mother, Bijoylaxmi Hota and the recital will see Ram and laxman as the opera,” says Reela who is also the founder-director of the festival. She added that Sita will be doing her part in Odissi, which is as delicate and graceful as the character. The operatic performance of the Indian epic will see Raavan, Surpankha and the demons performing Yakshgana while Hanuman and his sena will be depicting Chaau, which uses elaborate masks and a lot of frisky movements.
Reela breaks down the accepted concept of the opera being limited to high pitched singers. “Opera does not necessarily mean singing and music. It is a form wherein performers narrate a story though dance, songs and acting. We at the international festival fuse different yet interesting genres so that we are able to reach to a wider audience,” she explains and adds, “Opera might have become very coveted in India but it is a dying form in many European countries and in the US. We might be creating a whole new way of reviving this form. The performance is an attempt to do something appealing.”
At a time when opera has already been experimented with a lot of other art forms Reela feels that the art, when mixed with other cultures brings out something which is new and exciting. “It also garners a lot of interest among the audience,” Reela says.
There is a reason why the festival highlights how music and dance are vital therapeutic tools in traditional systems of healing which can successfully address the urban lifestyle challenges. Reela explains, “There have been talks about the healing aspects of arts and I feel that it is the festival’s way of making people aware of the relevance of modern art to common man. Exposing oneself to the culture not only works as a stress-buster but also enhances your life and adds positive vibes to thoughts and actions.”
Every year the festival organises a symposium on how different art forms affect lives. The symposiums are followed by related performances. “We follow each discussion with a performance because a lecture on any topic without any visual experience seems bland and people find no interest in it,” Reela says and adds that, “This year is an exception. We are unable to hold any discussion because of some organisational problems.”
last year, the festival discussed the importance of Sanskrit as a mantra bhasha and how particular sounds influence the human brain in a positive way. It was presented by Mandara Cromwell from the US, who had presented her research on how the ancient language is healing to the mind. “Mandara had discussed the Cyma therapy, which supports the body’s natural ability to heal itself though definite sounds and music,” Reela explains.
This year, the focus is on drama and theatre and how it can be merged with other international art forms. “In the earlier days, the culture reflected the music, lifestyle of the people and was also part of the healing process. It was done so that everybody could live in harmony amidst nature,” she says adding that it is both the actor and the audience who benefit from it. The performance acts as a catharsis, which helps both the viewer and the performer release the emotions they they go through. Eventually both are left behind with a happy and positive feeling. “It is called psychotherapy and it is scientifically proven,” she rounds off.