NCPA Nakshatra Dance Festival - Day 3

Ishanou – The Black Swan-Manipuri - Priti Patel’s ANJIKA SOCIETY FOR MANIPURI DANCE AND MOVEMENT THERAPY

Śaraccārucakram Kāla - Marga Nritya by Piyal Bhattacharya’s Chidakash Kalalay Centre of Art and Divinity

Priti Patel is a renowned Manipuri dancer, teacher, and researcher, celebrated for her commitment to preserving and promoting the rich traditions of Manipuri dance. Her artistic journey began at an early age under the tutelage of legendary Manipuri gurus—Late Guru Bipin Singh and the Jhaveri Sisters. Under the rigorous guidance of Smt. Darshana Jhaveri and Smt. Kalavati Devi developed a deep mastery of the Vaishnavite Ras Leela tradition. Patel also received in-depth training in Thang-ta and Lai Haraoba from Padmashri Ojha Babu Singh and Ojha Thoranisabi Devi. A Fulbright Fellow, she is the founder of Anjika – Centre for Manipuri Dance and Movement Therapy. Her accolades include the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Uday Shankar Dance Award, and the DEVI Award (2024), among others.

Ishanou – The Black Swan-The Chosen One

The Black Swan is a rare phenomenon.

People did not believe that the Black Swan existed and were amazed at the first sight of one.

As amazed as they are to discover the strength within themselves….to discover the power that lies within them….which can be used to make a difference to the world.

The Black Swan is about making difficult choices,about taking a path that may not be travelled very often….and doing so with quiet confidence of inner conviction.

Often, they walk alone and are always ready to make sacrifices and break the shackles to create a better world. I hunt for the Black Swan you may smile, my friends, but I pursue the vision that eludes me. 

I run across hills and dales, I wander through nameless lands, because I am hunting for the Black Swan. This production is based on Manipuri Dance and Music Traditions. The inspiration taken from Guru Bipin Singh’s rare collection of Talas like Saptatala of 20 beats, Birdashaka tala of 24 beats, Ojha Chaubal’s brilliant gatis, especially the Kanga or the swan, Ojha Kumar Maibi’s unforgettable ritual dance of the Maibis, Ojha Pandit Khelchandra’s dynamic movements of Thang Ta and the melodies Pena music of Ojha Mangi.

Script and Choreography by: Smt.Priti Patel

Assisted by: -S. Karuna Devi & Th. Imocha Singh

Light Design by: Dinesh Poddar

Music by: - W.Surajkumar & K.Ratan Singh

Narration by: Oindrila Dut

A researcher of Natyashastra, Piyal Bhattacharya, has been working on the practical reconstruction of Bharata’s dance. The main aim behind this research is to unearth the long-lost performance and music tradition of Natyashastra. He has learnt the Saraswati Veena, Pakhawaj, Mizhavu and Dhrupad and Rudra Veena of Dagar Gharana under Pt. Asit Banerjee. As part of his research to trace the migration of ancient Indian harp system to Myanmar, he even travelled to Myanmar to learn traditional Burmese harp. For his contribution to Sanskrit theatre, Bhattacharya received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Bhattacharya has received Fellowships from Sangeet Natak Akademi, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India, and was also conferred with a prestigious grant for ‘Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage of India’ by them. For his contribution to Sanskrit theatre, Bhattacharya received the Sangeet Natak Akademi award in 2023. He founded the Chidakash Kalalay Centre of Art and Divinity in Kolkata.

Śaraccārucakram Kāla is traversing in a constant and harmonious cyclic form. In that cycle when Sarada comes, the atmosphere elates in joy. The poet senses the arrival of a Devi, who restores harmony in the air. Rooted in the texts of Kālidāsa, Bhaṭṭi, Vyāsa, and Māgha, this presentation tries to explore the space through Rāmākriḍā, an uparūpaka with music, dance, and rhythm.

An NCPA Presentation

Age Limit: 6+

Late entry will not be permitted. 

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