Guru Vijay Shanker
A unique theatrical dance drama “Samvatsar”,directed by veteran mentor Piyal Bhattacharya
exploring the “marga natya” technique of “geetam”,”vadyam” and “nriityam”, based on the Natya
Sastra, portraying the evolution of mankind and the relationship with nature and seasons will be
presented and enacted by twenty dancers from Kolkata at the Studio theatre of Nita Mukesh
Ambani Cultural Centre on October 7.
“Samvatsar” represents the cycle of 12 months on this earth. In Indian system it is envisioned to
have emerged out of the conjugation of “Agni”(cosmic casual energy), “Som”(cosmic casual matter),
just as the universe exudes out of the same coupling. Hence in Vedic terminology, this manifested
universe is reckoned as “somaatmakam jagat”. “Samvatsar” is the key reason behind the existence
of life,it is such a state that brings the expansion and sustenance of “praan”- the supra physical
energy possessed by any matter. Owing to its combination of Agni and Som, Samvatsar is regarded
as a“Yajna”, a creative process that emanates duality. Such exuding gets manifested at three levels,
“Agni aatmak”(Grishma or summer), “Som aatmak”(Varsha or monsoon) and “Agmi
Samantak”(sharad or autumn), late autumn is transitional phase towards Shishir that gets
manifested in “Somantak”. Vasant brings a merry harmonious blend of ‘Agni Somantak stage” that
forms the crux and pinnacle of the presentation.
Director Piyal Bhattacharya says “ Much like the formation of Adam and Eve in the Western classical
culture, India has its own counterpart as Brigu and Angiraa, the primordial cosmic father and
mother, here Bhrigu and Angiraa are opening the play to form the very first emanation, Brigu leaves
the seed with Angira and the entire universe is born out of her womb. There after gradually emerge
the varied seasons and its relation to life, living and well being”
In other words Samvatasar is fine combination of music, dance,drama,histrionics, the clever and
unusual usage of rare musical instruments that creates a unique ambience as the dancers sing,dance
and deliver dialogues that keeps you spell bound and entertained.
