Concoctions

“Concoctions” is an attempt to bring together artists from different realms of art into a shared space, to discover the work that this can create. The focus of the first session was on “Jathi composition and choreography” along with Gayathri Devan, a Mohiniattam artist and Sreedev Sreekumar, a Mridangist. The Nritta of Bharatanatyam and Mohiniattam has it’s own distinct feel, and there is no better instrument than the Mridangam to explore, create, and choreograph Jathis that would support the Nritta of both the dance forms.

The focus of the second session was “Swati Tirunal’s compositions and his Nāyikas”, in collaboration with Anagha Namboodiripad (Carnatic vocalist) and Deepak Sayeeram (Veena artist). Together, we explored the Vasakasajja, Virahotkanthita, and Abhisarika Nāyikas through compositions such as Jalaja Bandhu in Surruti, Poonthen Nermozhi in Anandha Bhairavi, and Kaamini Mani in Poorvi Khamboji. The session was enriched with insights into the structure and history of the Veena, as well as the process of collaboration, making it an engaging and layered experience.