‘KRISHNA’: A dance drama marking 50 years of a cultural landmark

Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra’s landmark dance drama KRISHNA, tracing the life and legacy of Lord Krishna, is currently being staged at Kamani Auditorium as it enters its 50th year.

The production, which began on August 29, will continue till September 4, with evening shows at 6:30 pm. Matinee performances are also scheduled at 3 pm on August 30 and September 4. Tickets are available on BookMyShow.

Initially conceptualised by Sumitra Charat Ram as Krishna Avtar, the production is directed by Padmashri Shobha Deepak Singh and choreographed by Shashidharan Nair, with choreographic support from Raj Kumar Sharma.

The dance drama follows Krishna’s journey from Gokul and Vrindavan, his relationship with Radha and defeat of Kansa, to his role in the Mahabharata and his dialogue with Arjuna at Kurukshetra.

The production explores themes of restraint, forgiveness, duty and moral choice, with the Bhagavad Gita presented as a message of peace and responsible action. Krishna is portrayed initially as a protector of rural communities and a hero of the people before his divine identity takes centre stage.

For its 50th edition, KRISHNA has moved away from LED screens and digital backdrops, instead using handcrafted sets, costumes and jewellery, supported by live stage design and lighting.

Presented by the Kendra Dance Repertory, the production draws heavily on Bhakti compositions, with lyrics mainly taken from Surdas’s Sur Sagar and sung in Brij Bhasha.

The two-hour-20-minute production, including an interval, continues the Kendra’s tradition of staging KRISHNA during the Janmashtami season and brings together classical dance, music, traditional craftsmanship and storytelling.