The gala performance on the evening of the 3rd April -MAHABHARATA was the culmination of The Pallavanjali Art For All Festival April 2011 which brought together minds, hearts and souls!
The three day residential festival was the first of it’s kind – where participants from varied backgrounds and abilities converged.This was a platform where everyone got the opportunity to actualize their own individual potential, regardless of their daily profiles. Each was invited to savor theater, art & craft, mask making, body painting, movement and dancing, percussion & music … even ad film making. During these three days & nights , there were no boundaries or limitations. This unconstructed atmosphere helped their imagination and creativity blossom without inhibitions. They re-interpreted the Mahabharata, re-invented bits of it even- by themselves…the way it was meant to be!
Based on the interpretations of the participating groups, scenes were put into place – some movement based , some dialogue based , some musical , some purely last minute additions ! The backdrops were painted , the masks finished , the drummers started practicing in earnest and the enthusiasm backstage was palpable .
The grand finale was all that was dreamed of and more! The audience wouldn’t stop applauding the different acts. It was a night to remember!
What was unique was that that there were no boundaries and no protocol to follow. All participants could experience any art form that they wanted to . They had the freedom to flow from one area of activity to another and try out all creative art before deciding on their ‘ calling’. It was amazing how at the end of the three days, everything effortlessly fell into place.
The script, the direction, the enactment were all willing slaves to the imagination of the participants. This experience taught us all how learning can happen without ‘school’ing! And that was an education in itself!
Dr Ramamoorthy as the director was totally wonderful as he took all participants through self actualization . Amber as the Art/ Painting facilitator was phenomenal as she used the strength of each participant to create unique pieces of art . She just used what was available and created masterpieces ! Sanjay as the drummer was superb ! He effortlessly (seemingly ) was able to draw out the drummer in each of his team members. Venu , the magic musician, was amazing. Dia, with her early morning YOGA and chanting sessions gave the per fect start to each day.
The Pallavanjali staff helped bind all the energies together and participated with gusto. This event wouldn’t have been possible without them. The stars of the workshop were ofcourse our students who brought the roof down with their laughter, love and talent!
THANK YOU all for making this event rock! And a big God Bless!!
