Eka Bhavana this dance festival has a profound objective: to breathe new life into the timeless art of Bharathanatyam solo dance presentations and underscore its enduring significance within this rich dance tradition. While ensemble dancing has found its place and showcases its own unique beauty, it has also opened up performance opportunities for numerous artists.
Nevertheless, in the Malaysian context, solo dance opportunities have become increasingly scarce, causing the art form to wane in importance. Consequently, only a select few Malaysian Bharathanatyam practitioners have been able to establish themselves as noteworthy soloists on the global stage.
This event is all set to be held as a three days programme which is on 22nd, 23rd and 24th September at Tan Sri Soma Auditorium, Kuala Lumpur. Notably, this is an annual event. The inaugural edition of this annual festival was celebrated in 2017 with great enthusiasm. Unfortunately, following the outbreak of the global pandemic in 2019, the event was forced to take an involuntary pause, resulting in a hiatus spanning three years. Consequently, the forthcoming celebration will mark the much-anticipated return of this festival, making it the fourth installment since its inception.
Every day of the festival will showcase the talents of two soloists: a well-established artist and an emerging artist. These performances will be accompanied by live music, skillfully rendered by renowned Malaysian Carnatic musicians.
Additionally, each day’s program will include insightful lectures by guest speakers, covering a wide array of topics associated with the performing arts, transcending the boundaries of music and dance to encompass various related aspects.
The primary objective of this three-day festival is to foster, nurture, and provide assistance to both established and up-and-coming Malaysian Bharathanatyam solo performers. Bharathanatyam is a classical Indian dance form originating from Tamil Nadu. It is renowned for its intricate footwork, graceful movements, and expressive storytelling through gestures and facial expressions. This centuries-old art blends music, rhythm, and narrative to convey traditional tales and spiritual themes.
The festival is meticulously curated by a collaboration between Suvarna Fine Arts, led by Guru Dr. Ajith Bhaskar; Lahari Theatre, represented by Mridangist Theban Arumugam and dancer Priya Nair; and Tanjavur Heritage Arts & Cultural Academy, helmed by Guru Thavasakayam Suppiah and Guru Sri Devi Chandrasegaran.
Background of the organizers
Suvarna Fine Arts (Guru Dr. Ajith Bhaskar)
Suvarna, located in Johor Bahru, is a prominent catalyst for Indian dance in Malaysia, renowned for its unique and authentic blend of classicism on the contemporary stage, appealing to a global audience. Suvarna boasts a rich portfolio of professional productions and international collaborations.
2. Lahari Theatre (Mridangist Theban Arumugam and dancer Priya Nair)
Founded by Priya Nair and Theban Arumugam in Kuala Lumpur, Lahari Theatre is dedicated to nurturing emerging Malaysian talents. It serves as a platform to foster a forward-looking traditional arts culture in the country.
3. Tanjavur Heritage Arts & Cultural Academy (Guru Thavasakayam Suppiah and Guru Sri Devi Chandrasegaran)
Established by the Dance Directors of Sri Saraswathi Devi Bharathalaaya, namely Shri Thavasakayam Suppiah and Srimathi Sri Devi Chandrasegaran, this institution in Malaysia represents an extension of their cherished guru’s academy. Their beloved mentor, Kalaimaamani, and Sangeet Natak Academy Awardee, Guru B Herambanathan of Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, serves as the inspiration behind this Malaysian chapter.
To foster a sense of enthusiasm among young dancers and cultivate a deep appreciation for solo dance performances, the festival generously offers free admission to its audience. Every year, this initiative garners an extraordinary and enthusiastic response from both artists and aficionados of the arts. As a result, Eka Bhavana has earned its place as one of the most eagerly anticipated events on the Indian art calendar.
Eka Bhavana 2023 will be graced by distinguished and eminent personalities as special guests. These luminaries include Dr. Chandrabhanu, a globally renowned Bharathanatyam dancer and esteemed mentor, Shrimathi Bharathi Sharma, a trailblazing and accomplished Carnatic vocalist, Shrimathi Gayathri Ramesh, an accomplished dance Guru who also serves as the President of the Malaysian Bharathanatyam Association, as well as Shri and Shrimathi Madasamy, known for their philanthropic endeavors and profound passion for the arts.
In anticipation of this weekend’s ‘Eka Bhavana’, Bharathanatyam solo dance presentation, excitement runs high as dance enthusiasts and performers alike eagerly await a mesmerizing showcase of grace, tradition, and artistic expression. This event promises to be a captivating celebration of the rich cultural heritage and artistry that Bharathanatyam embodies. If you have no plans for this weekend, do attend this event and make your weekend memorable one!
Source: All information and images given by Suvarna Fine Arts
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