The art world has always been interested in the Finnish National Epic Kalevala, as the tales have captivated the imaginations of visual and theatre artists and they have interpreted the imaginary world of Kalevala in different ways.
Here, we explore the Navarasa (nine emotions) in Kalevala through Indian Classical dance styles. Navarasas are the 9 rasas or feelings which are felt by a viewer while watching a visual art or by a reader while reading a book. The dance play was conceptualized, directed and choreographed by Gayathri.
Intricacies of the story thread involving Ilmarinen, Vainämöinen, Louhi and Northern Bride is portrayed using the nuances of four distinct Indian classical dances giving ample opportunity to showcase Navarasa the nine emotions. This is how Fusia pays tribute to this wonderful country Finland which is celebrating its 100 years of independence.
The act starts with the heroine of the story, the beautiful Northern maid and her friends enacted aptly using the very feminine dance form Mohiniyattom. Soon they are joined by Bharatanatyam dancers with their sturdy steps depicting the valiant Ilmarinen and Vainämöinen, the rivalling suitors for the beautiful heroine; and their entourage, exuding Heroism ( Veera Rasa). The bride’s aversion towards the elderly Vainämöinen gives space to express Laughter and disgust (Haasya rasa and Bheebhatsa rasa) . Ilmarinen and Northern bride are smitten by each other and they display love and affection (Shringara rasa) for each other. Soon enters the cruel mother of the bride, Louhi and her companions in the form of the magnificent art form Kathakali and Keralanadanam. Louhi’s violent form evokes fear (Bhayanaka rasa) in her daughter. Wicked Louhi sets a condition that only if Ilmarinen builds Sampo, he shall have her daughter. Ilmarinen sets on building Sampo. He is successful in his effort and the sight of Sampo evokes wonder (Adbudta rasa) on onlookers as no human eye had ever beheld anything like that. Louhi, now delighted by the sight of Sampo quickly takes it into Pohjola. Northern bride and ilmarinen gets married. But their happiness does not last long as the bride passes away. Imarinen’s grief at this tragedy flows as sorrow (karuna rasa). Vainämöinen returns, consoles Ilmarinen and plots with him to get back the Sampo which is in Louhi’s possession. Vainämöinen and Ilmarinen goes on war against Louhi with ample display of rage and anger (raudra rasa) to get back the Sampo and the heroes of Kalevala defeats the mistress of Pohjola . They win the sampo back, which will bring happiness and prosperity to Kalevala. Vainämöinen builds a kantele out of a birch tree and the music from it fills the people of Kalevala with eternal happiness, harmony and peace (Shanta rasa).
← Back to portfolio