Father-daughter duo presents evocative episodes from Ramayana

The Sangeeta Natya Upanyasam, Sita Kalyanam, organised by Brhaddhvani and held at the Bala Kala Vidhanam auditorium in Tiruchi on Sunday, was an evocative blend of Harikatha, classical dance, and Carnatic music.

S. Ramaratnam and his daughter Gayatri Ramaratnam transported the audience into the heart of the Ramayana through a seamless integration of narrative, melody, and expressive dance movements.

Mr. Ramaratnam’s story-telling skill, soulful music provided by Vasudha and the visually enlivening dance delineating the key episodes in Rama’s life, led by Ms. Gayatri and her students from the Silambam Dance School from Bengaluru, were a delight to watch.

The evening programme’s highlights included the tender portrayal of Viswamitra’s affection for Rama, Ahlalya’s purgation from punishment when He steps on her stone statue and the climactic Sita Swayamvara, culminating in the joyous wedding of Rama with Sita.

The musical score had compositions from Tyagaraja, Arunachala Kavi, Tulsidas and Bharatiyar, adding the required lyrical richness to the performance.

The music rendered by Jyotsna, was ably supported by Sanat on the violin, and Sri Sai Vamshi on the mridangam.

The performance provided an aesthetically satisfying experience that resonated with connoisseurs and lay audiences alike.