In a run-up to the day of the birth of Lord Krishna, ‘Janmashtami’, Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra’s iconic Dance Drama – “KRISHNA”, under the governance of Padmashri Shobha Deepak Singh (Director & Vice Chairperson, Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra), has become an essential cultural event in the Capital’s social calendar. This year, the 47th edition of this production was showcased from September 1– 4 2023 at Kamani Auditorium, Copernicus Marg, New Delhi, just ahead of the G-20 celebrations to be held in town.
The two and half hours long production of this dance drama performed by various artists b alive the brought alive the legend of Krishna from what existed three thousand years ago. Whether it was his joyous years of an adorable childhood or the antics he played while growing into a young adult, his romance with nature and his compassion for everything that had life or eventually attaining the stage of human adoration, Krishna and his very aura captivates the audience. Using traditional Indian dance styles like Mayurbhanj Chhau and Kalaripayattu, the Kendra depicted Lord Krishna‘s colourful life, from his birth through his participation in the epic Mahabharata.
The Lord Krishna chapter is weaved with a variety of tales, myths, and magic, just like other chapters in Indian mythology, but it has always been regarded as being primarily practical and giving wisdom in many aspects of daily life. Elevating the experience further, an LED wall was incorporated, to provide a heightened sense of realism, the Kendra seamlessly blends dynamic choreography, state-of-the-art technology, intricate international-grade sets, and opulent costume designs. With its exceptional contributions to choreography, lighting, sound, sets, and overall production values, ‘KRISHNA’ consistently offers a fresh perspective to its devoted audience, enveloping them in a captivating atmosphere while staying true to the production’s core values and enhancing its contemporary relevance.
In Padamshri Shobha Deepak Singh’s words, “The dance drama ’KRISHNA’ expresses the innate truths of life, resonating with their essential simplicity, just as Lord Krishna elucidated. These truths are interwoven within countless anecdotes, intricately woven into his life’s narratives, a perpetual source of inspiration in both the traditional and contemporary contexts. With utmost precision, my vision and execution bring forth every facet of Lord Krishna’s embodiment, infusing the presentation with a captivating vitality. The interplay of exceptional choreography, lighting, costumes, sound, technical prowess, and immersive atmosphere creates a backdrop that warms the heart in all of my productions. Even amid displays of turmoil, against all odds, a ray of hope for ultimate peace emerges, transcending the apparent chaos of the present.”
