India Post News Service
SAN JOSE, CA: She came, she performed and she conquered the minds of the audience. Padmashri Shobana, the internationally acclaimed dancer and actress, along with her highly talented crew, is touring United States. The National Film Award-winning South Indian actress and dancer brought her latest thematic production Trance – Dancing Drums, to Center for performing arts, San Jose on June 1.
Non-profit Rasika, with a mission of promoting and educating Indian arts and culture in association with Bay Area’s premier entertainment company Instant karma were the presenters of the San Jose show.
The show presented various Indian performing traditions in a collage of rhythm supported by poetry, with pre-recorded and live music by Anatha R Krishanan and Prithvi Chandra. The soundscape of this 90 minute show was a mix of Indian classical, Qawwali, Bollywood and electronic music. The ever-evolving mythology of Shiva, the avatars of Vishnu, Bibi Nachyar, Buddha, Mary Magdalene, among other streams of consciousness was re-contextualized in a form rich in movement and visual imagery. .
The show started with Bharatnatyam, Shobana portraying Mahakali, the ultimate form of Brahman. The various forms of Goddess Kali
was a treat to the audience.
were depicted. Then came the story of ever-so-enchanting Krishna. Krishna’s childhood stories were enacted through a solo performance by Shobana herself that showcased her eminence as an actress. This was followed by the stories of Bibi Nachyar and Mary Magdalene, Shobana’s portrayal of these characters
The entire show was woven around “One belief, different worlds”. An eclectic show essentially about harmony – in religious, rhythmic, musical and cultural aspects, the performance was a blend of vivid visuals, sonorous sound, appropriate multimedia tools and excellent stage presence put together to perfection.
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