Southern Hues Part 1: Interpretations through Abhinaya

Interpretations through Abhinaya: Padam, Javali and Ashtapadi through Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi The video documentation of abhinaya Interpretations in Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi aims to explore some of the rarest and unique Indian Musical as well as literary pieces, specifically set in the formats of Padam, Javali, and Ashtapadi. Padams and Javalis are poetic creations often driven by themes of love, passion, and it's allied emotions. The literature of such pieces are highly expressive of 'Shringara Rasa,' (the state of love) one of the Navarasas, (the nine emotional states) recognized in Indian aesthetics. Often in a romantic relationship, one has to go through a myriad of emotions that are connected to love - union, lovemaking, disagreements, longing and even separation. It is these layers in the literature and music that are breathed into life through the art of abhinaya. Despite changes in performance contexts and performers over the years, these anciently written padams, Javalis and ashtapadis still carry innumerable amounts of potential to depict a character's emotional depth, paving way to it's contemporary relevance.