BY MAHADEV DESAI

‘Rasika’, India Arts and Cultural Council, Portland, Oregon, brought the flavor of India’s traditional classical dances to the theatre-lovers of Atlanta, Georgia, with an unique presentation of “Gajamukha’, a scintillating full length musical temple dance ballet of India, portraying the life of Lord Ganesha, at the Rialto Center for the Performing Arts, of the Georgia State University, on Friday, November 5.

What was most exciting was the collaboration of the Gandhi Foundation of USA(GFUSA), a sociologically oriented Foundation joining hands with the Rialto Center, an outreach division of the Georgia State University’s performing arts to present an Indian ballet which projected the Sanskrit, Telugu and Tamil languages of India with English translations, a dance format that incorporated a seamless fusion of Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Mohini Attam and the folk dances making a presentation of the life story of one of the most venerated icons of Hindu religion, Lord Ganesha. This ballet became not only a cultural presentation of the dance and music of India but an interwoven tapestry of India’s diversity and cultural heritage, to a diverse group of American and members of the Indian community. 

The acting chairman of the GFUSA, Subash Razdan extended a hearty welcome to all the patrons on behalf of GSU and GFUSA and said, “This classical dance ballet by Dr. Raman and troupe is a befitting tribute to the respect and veneration that Hindus have for Lord Ganesh. This outreach effort by the GSU to showcase India’s rich culture and performing arts was initiated by Ms. Leslie Gordon, director of the Rialto Performing Arts Center. I wish to thank her, all the sponsors and members of the GFUSA.”

The patrons, the season ticket holders and the general public who attended experienced the thrill of a presentation that has been ‘foreign’ to them and applauded the initiative taken by the GSU’s Rialto Center, it’s director Leslie Gordon, assisted by her publicity manager, Kara Keane and collaboration of GFUSA’s representatives, Subash Razdan, Dr. Sujatha Reddy, Giriraj Rao, Antony Thaliath, Mustafa Ajmeri, Dr. Thrivikraman, H.V. Shivadas and Jacob Ampat.
Ms. Kara Keane said she had grown up in India and had always been fascinated with Indian classical dances. Commending the ballet she said, “Gajamukha” is an artistic delight, described by a Washington reviewer as a “dazzling experience of adorable design for a global audience.” 

Much credit goes to Dr. Jayanthi Raman, a world renowned artistic director, choreographer, principal dancer and her troupe of talented dancers and musicians who thrilled the audience with their performances of dance, music and humor. Those in the audience, who had never before experienced the sweet sound of Veena, the Indian flute, or the percussion instruments mridangam and chendai, were highly appreciative of the ballet’s delightful artistry.

The passion of Dr. Raman in presenting ‘Gajamukha’ was evident in all aspects of the theatrical attributes- grace, spirituality and sensuality, vibrant colors, shimmering costumes, stunning backdrops, precision, wonderful music and choice of the episodes that controlled the dance patterns. In the mesmerizing last scene, the chaste “Ganesha worship” (abhiskekam), practiced in the inner sanctum of the South Indian Temples was a great eye opener for those who are not familiar with this method of worship.

The entire ballet was a joy to watch. While the performances of Nandi and the mouse were captivating, the heart of the ballet is without doubt Dr. Raman who as Goddess Parvathi excels in all the scenes. Jayanthi’s stellar dancing career spans over 25 years. “The minute her jingling ankle bells and stamping feet ring out and her silk-clad body, sinuous arms and dramatically mobile face appear, the audience knows it’s going to see a world-class dancer…”comments Martha West in “The Oregonian.
Amidst a thunderous applause, one of the members of GFUSA, Dr. Sujatha Reddy presented a bouquet of flowers to Dr. Raman. After a sumptuous dinner, the executive director of GFUSA, Giriraj Rao said he felt elated because his long time dream of staging an artistic ballet from his native birth-place Tamil Nadu had come to fruition. He thanked the members of GFUSA and Ms. Leslie Gordon for their tireless dedication and help in successful staging of the musical ballet. Jayanthi was presented with a beautifully crafted and worded plaque of recognition and appreciation by Subash Razdan. Jake Ampat then called out the names of the artists, mostly from Tamil Nadu, while Dr. Sujatha Reddy and Antony Thaliath presented them with certificates of recognition and appreciation.