Nothing in “Gajamukha” should be lost in translation. The people behind the ballet have taken care to ensure this.
Although the dance company brings Indian language, culture, dance and music to an America that may be unfamiliar with these elements, the programs and narration explain clearly what is going on throughout the show.
Tonight, the narration will help reveal Indian themes to a waiting audience at the Lied Center for the Performing Arts.
“It’s the same traditional art form presented in a way the local audience can relate to,” said Raman Srinivasan, president of Rasika India Arts and Culture Council, the group responsible for bringing “Gajamukha” to Lincoln.
The ballet tells the story of Ganesha, the Indian god of wisdom, education, intelligence and prudence, and the mythologies and folklore surrounding him.
The show brings together India’s top performers and composers to tell the narrative in five separate pieces, each done by a different composer.
It also incorporates at least three styles of classical Indian dance to fully incorporate different parts of the Indian culture.
“We were able to commission some of the best and top artists to work on the performance,” Srinivasan said.
Jayanthi Raman, principle dancer, artistic director and choreographer of the ballet, said that Indian dance differs in complexity from its American counterparts.
“The entire body is used, from the eyebrows to the toes, to tell the story,” Raman said.
And rather than carefully calculated dance steps, the dancing, like Indian classical music, is largely improvised.
“Like in jazz, you have improvisation,” Raman said. “The improvisation is on stage.”
With the improvisation, the music and the various elements of Indian culture, Raman hopes the show translates itself to the audience, as is the intention.
She also hopes not only to tell the story, but to give an insight into Indian culture.
“I hope they see how different and diverse it is,” Raman said.
Srinivasan agreed.
“Our main goal is to bring the arts and culture of India to places like the Lied,” he said.
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