State Bank Day at NCPA

Just like an alchemist everything he touched turned into music. Be it an old suitcase, a bisleri can, spoon, bucket or his elaborate set of drums of all shapes and sizes from all over the world, he brought life into each with his sticks and made them sing to his tunes. Such was magic of the master percussionist Sivamani. It was an enchanting evening which left an auditorium full of audience spellbound.

It was 1st of July and State Bank Day, like every year, we had a gala celebration at NCPA for all the employees. Evening started with snacks and general mixing up with the colleagues followed by the stage performances which were in two parts. First part was by a dance troupe showcasing the folkdances of Kerala which were Mohiniattam, martial art forms and last but the most beautiful Kathakali.Second part was performance by Sivamani.

Mohiniattam which means 'dance of an enchantress' was a graceful and sensuos dance. Though beautifully clad in white and gold sari and side bun, the dancer set the stage on fire, I felt the item was too slow for an opening item. A Ganesha stuti or any other such invocation to God would have been more appropriate. I guess I am a little biased towards the crispness ,energy and agility of Bharatnatyam to fully appreciate the slower versions like this one.

The martial arts looked tricky. A man even got injured during the act. They showed fights with various instruments like swords, knives, arrows and just fists. Next was the Kathakali item based on the story of 'Keechakavadham'. Kathakali which is one of the oldest theatre forms in the world depicts a story of victory of good over evil. The elaborate makeup & dressing and over dramatised gestures & expressions make it a joy to watch.

Though the lengthy dance performance made many in the audience restless and hungry, I was quite enjoying the dance. The elaborate manner in which the Keechak was attempting to woo and seduce Panchali showing all seven rasas was interesting. At the end of the Kerala performances was a short tea break followed by the most awaited show of Sivamani. His flamboyant style, speed and passion made us keep wanting for more. The evening ended with dinner and a walk back to church gate on the dark empty roads.