Leila Sokhey, best known by her stage name ‘Madam Menaka’ was a pioneering Indian Dancer and Choreographer from 1930s, who had a great contribution in introducing Kathak to the outer world as well as presenting it in a modernized format of dance-drama choreography. Her offering to the world of choreography will be cherished by today’s dancers through the two-day festival in Pune- ‘Madam Menaka Choreography Movement 2019’.
The festival will be held at Jyotsna Bhole Auditorium, Hirabaug on Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26 in between 6pm and 9pm. Entry to the festival is free and open for all.
The festival is organized by Nadroop and Maharashtra Cultural Centre and supported by Praj foundation, told veteran Dancer Shama Bhate in a press conference held in the city today. She said, ‘‘The event includes five renowned dancers presenting their choreographies on five distinct proverbs whichmakes this festival unique. The choreographers are encouraged to think beyond mythological references and present something of their own retaining the original beauty of different dance forms. Not only that, but each dance presentation is going to be followed by a panel discussion headed by leading choreographers Maulik Shah and Ishira Parikh.’’
On the first day of the festival, i.e. May 25, Avani Gadre (Proverb- ‘The more you see…the less you know, for sure!’), Pavitra Bhat (Proverb- ‘Ogatti Nalli Balavidey’- ‘Strength in Unity’) and Amruta Gogate (Proverb- ‘Even if you come out of one cage, aren’t you in just another one?’) will make their dance presentations. While on the second day, i.e. May 26, Swati Sinha (Proverb- ‘The clock doesn’t make a monk’) and Swarada Datar (Proverb- ‘Appearances can be deceptive’) will put forth their presentations.
Avani Gadre is Kathak Dancer and disciple of Guru Shama Bhate, Bharatnatyam Dancer Pavitra Bhat is disciple of renowned Dancer Deepak Mazumdar, while Kathak Dancer Amruta Gogate is disciple of Shambhavi Dandekar. Kathak Dancer Swati Sinha is disciple of Pt. Rajendra Gangani and Bharatnatyam Dancer Swarada Dataris disciple of Vaibhav Arekar.
The panel for the discussions also includes Shama Bhate along with other experts Sharvari Jamenis (Dance), Ajay Joshi (Critic), Chaitanya Adkar (Music) and Pradeep Vaidya (Theatre).
Bhate said, ‘‘Madam Menaka was a pioneer in bringing the concept of choreography to India. Today, this concept is very familiar to all of us, but there are no specific choreographic principles, choreographic tools, choreographic philosophies spelt out or clearly defined even today. This movement is a tribute to Madam Menaka. This is an effort to systematize the thought process and the choreographic process by interactions, debates and discussions after viewing the choreographic work together with the choreographers.’’
