Mohini Bhasmasura 2011

Agenda

Time Program Comments
5:00 PM Snacks & Seating (optional)
6:00 PM Welcome Bighelp Overview
6:05 PM Ballet
8:25 PM Vote of Thanks This is for 5 minutes. Program ends at 8:30PM

A review and personal appreciation by S. Narayanaswamy, an Art Critique from Michigan

"...The story of Mohini Basmasura is rather well-known and had been performed umpteen times by various troupes in the Kuchipudi tradition. So, it is natural to ask what is great about this particular presentation. Well, as one who witnessed the show up close, I can state confidently that many wonderful things came together to make this show great. The attention to detail addressed by Hari Master garu in every aspect of the production has resulted in a top class presentation, leaving the discerning audience with a very satisfied feeling. The stage-play and succession of scenes was well-thought out for smooth progression of the story. The lyrics, the music and the choreography were all newly composed for this tour. The lyrics, while adhering to the prosodic traditions of Kuchipudi, have been endowed with fresh expression. Especially, the Pravesa Daruvus of Bhasmasura and Mohini were scintillating. Similarly, the back and forth dialog between Bhasmasura and Lord Siva was humorous and studded with sparkling wit. The music, choice of ragas and orchestration were very appropriate to the scene and character being depicted on stage. One could not easily forget the beautiful contrast created in the scene of dance contest between Mohini and Bhasmasura, where a flute was used for Mohini and the bass octave on rudraveena used for Bhasmasura.

Of course, the backbone of any dance show is the choreography. Sri Hari Master garu's choreography in this production was not only appropriate, but also very creative. The jathis and the dynamics between characters on stage is used effectively to enhance the mood (rasa) of each scene. For example, in the scene of Kailasa, Siva's thandava of abandon is mirrored in Parvati's gentle lasya, building a gentle tension of Sringara between the primordial couple. We Detroiters are justly proud of our youngsters, Chi Archita Achanta who played Siva and Chi Sahitya Chodimella as Parvati. The entry of Hari Master garu in the guise of Bhasmasura, with his demonic entourage brought out a spontaneous burst of applause from the audience. The energy on the stage was palpable during this scene. The 4 young dancers (Srividya Kakulavarapu, Madhumeeta Sanam, Sireesha Yellayi and Sahithi Akasapu) danced very well as the Asura's court dancers. Talented visiting senior artistes, Smt. Sudha Vadlamani and Smt. Bhanu Ramamurty, as Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi respectively, presented a majestic and stately duet. Our own Smt. Sandhyasree Athmakuri excelled as Mohini. The dialog between Mohini and Bhasmasura, followed by the dance competition between them regaled the audience.

Veteran Sri Chinta Ramamurty garu was assisted by youngsters Annapurna Vishnubhotla, Sneha Reddy and Rachana Gudipudi in the roles of Bhasmasura's demon assistants. The group of young dancers consisting of Ramasubbaraju, Ranjani Murty, Sathya Areti, Pumoli Malapati, Easha Mali, Likhitha Umakanth and Sindhura Vadlamani performed the invocatory Dasavathara stuthi at the start of the show. Siva and Parvathi were accompanied by Ramyasree Maramraju, Annapurna Vishnubhotla, Shreya Balusu and Sriya Vishnubhotla as Pramathaganas. Our local veteran stage actor and patron of arts, Sri Ramanna Vishnubhotla acted as the Sutradhari.

In my opinion, this show is a testimony to the creativity and dedication of Sri Hari Ramamurty garu, not only as a dancer, but as the creator and artistic director of the presentation. While following in the great tradition of his own legendary guru, Padmabhushan Sri Vempati Chinna Satyam Master garu, Sri Hari Ramamurty had introduced several innovations in the dance and the presentation to create a beautiful experience for the audience. A senior friend of mine who has intimate knowledge of Sri Vempati Master garu's works confided to me that this presentation impressed her a lot....."

Review from Sri Venkateswara Temple in Pittsburg

"I would like to congratulate master Sri Hari Rama Murhy and his troupe for performing an excellent and exceptional Kuchipudi dance drama Mohini Bhasmasura at our Sri Venkateswara Temple Pittsburgh on July 02, 2011. It has been a unique opportunity to enjoy his program for our devotees and I thank him for leaving these cherished and pleasant memories in our lives. ..

I was really impressed with Sri Hari Rama Murthy and his team for their preparation as well as attention to even minor details prior to the program. Based on my experience with his program and programs of audience felt real "Bhasmasura" descended on the stage as Sri Hari Rama Murthy action was flawless and natural. He was like a gift from God to perform this role.

Role of Mohini by Sandhya Sree Athmakuri was a perfect match and her every dance move captivated the audience. She elevated her role to justify and perform with Sri Hari Rama Murthy.

Sai Sudha Vadlamani appeared like a real God in her role as Sri Maha Vishnu with her spectacular dance moves on the stage and her vivid expressions really came to life. Her every step and move riveted the attention of attendees. ....

Performance of Satyabhanu Nanduri as Goddess Lakshmi was fascinating and exhilarating.

All audience at our temple carried home eternal nostalgic memories of this great event of Mohini Bhasmasura. Several of them came to the stage at the end of the program and thanked Sri Hari Rama Murhy and his troupe with gratitude. Raja Reddy Vangeti, Secretary of SV Temple personally thanked Sri Hari Rama Murthy while offering him with flowers, fruits and a token of monetary appreciation and requested him to perform again at SV Temple in near future.

I recommend for one and all to watch this breath taking and jaw dropping Dance Drama Mohini Brahmasura under the able leadership of master Sri Hari Rama Murthy."

Sincerely,
Raja Reddy Vangeti
Secretary (CEO), Board of Directors
SV Temple, Pittsburgh, PA

Reviews from Audience