‘Thakita Thath Jham’, a dance production based on different types of laya

As part of the dance festival conducted by Brahma Gana Sabha at the Dakshinamurthy Auditorium, the students of Kripa’s Centre for Fine Arts presented Thakita Thath Jham, a thematic presentation on layam, which took the audience through a journey into the joys of rhythmic sounds found in every aspect of the universe.

The idea was conceived by Saikrupa Prasanna, and the research was by G. V. Guru Bharadwaj, who also helped give form to the concept. The music by Rajkumar Bharathi ensured that each musical composition aligned perfectly with the choreographer’s vision. The lyrics were taken from the Upanishads, Kuthanool and Pancha Marabu.

Thakita Thath Jham in perfect synchrony | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

A series of six different categories of layam was depicted by way of elaborating the concept. Starting from the bountiful beauty of nature, Prakruthi Layam portrayed the seasons, rivers, the joyous sounds of rain, the frightening sounds of thunder, and more.

The simple mechanical sounds that humans make in their everyday life was shown in Nitya Jeevan Layam… the intrinsic rhythm created by supposedly mundane movements such as threshing grains, cutting a log with a manual saw, and washing clothes were shown with creativity.

Since time immemorial, humans have exhibited a deep sense of layam through their folk art forms. With their vibrant costumes, rhythmic movements and the use of traditional musical instruments, folk dancers play a significant role in preserving and celebrating a country’s diverse cultural heritage. Thevarattam from Tamil Nadu and another tribal dance were performed to depict Loka Kala Layam.

The production explored different aspects of laya | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Using the same tala, various permutations that emanate from several percussion instruments brought out the inherent harmony within each one of them in Sthara Layam.

To sustain the onlooker’s attention and break the monotony of abstraction, a humorous interpretation of the sounds in human relationships Bandava Layam was presented.

In conclusion, rasikas were taken into the workings of the various dimensions of the mind in Mano Layam. This was portrayed through a Ragam, Tanam, Pallavi in the powerful Hindolam.

Ragam, which implies colour, was depicted through the flowing and graceful movements of drapes. Metaphors to showcase the mind — flowers, monkeys and bees — were portrayed in the tanam, The pallavi was shown through a vibrant morah korvai. The beautiful lyrics by Rajkumar Bharathi ‘Manam alaindhu’ said it evocatively.

The costumes were simple and effective. The basic colour dominant throughout the presentation was black and gold tempered with green, red,orange, pink and blue — this enabled the artistes to showcase changing emotions well.