Just like a river that flows and carves its own path, Kuala Lumpur-based Kalpana Dance Theatre (KDT) has survived every twist, turn and fall to arrive at its 30th anniversary this year.
As most artists know, to survive in an industry which is unpredictable and financially unstable demands constant reinvention.
That’s what KDT founder-director Shangita Namasivayam has been attempting throughout the decades and to celebrate the milestone, she is producing a bharatanatyam concert, aptly called Pravaham – The Pulse Of Creation: A Journey Of Art, Heritage And Environmental Consciousness.
It will be held at the Shantanand Auditorium, Temple of Fine Arts in KL on Aug 8.
“Every creative venture resembles the birth of a child – it begins as a fragile idea, nurtured with patience, dedication and unwavering belief through every stage of its growth.
“Then comes the incomparable moment when that vision finally comes alive before an audience, transforming imagination into reality,” says Shangita in a recent interview.
How the river is a teacher
This time around, the show’s concept revolves around two rivers in India – the Ganga (Ganges) in north India and Kaveri (Cauvery) in south India.
The Ganga is India’s most sacred and culturally significant river, while the Kaveri is known as the “Ganga of the South”, vital for irrigation, power and agriculture in southern India.
Both these rivers also act as a lifeline for surrounding villages, carrying both the ebb and flow of trade and culture.
They have inspired centuries of Indian folk and classical dance, with performances blending myth, music and regional styles to portray their sacred and cultural significance – which will be featured in Pravaham.
Shangita, who is also a teacher, dancer, choreographer and producer, explains: “The Ganga is the shore of compassion, the Kaveri is the mother of prosperity. In one, sins are washed away and in the other, life flourishes. Together they tell one truth that a river is not just water, but the peace within our hearts.
“I chose this river concept to address issues relevant to today’s generation. Water is essential to sustain life and the most critical resource on Earth. I wanted to raise awareness among my young dancers on how we are abusing, polluting and neglecting our rivers and oceans, which are becoming toxic.”
To increase awareness further and expose dancers to their responsibilities toward water, KDT has tied up with The Alliance of River Three (ART!), a Malaysian volunteer driven environmental group founded in 2018 by Kennedy Michael to rehabilitate the Klang River through community-built River Three Parks, weekly clean-ups and long-term ecosystem restoration.
ART! was among the winners of The Star Golden Hearts Awards in 2020 for its mission to build a model for urban river ecosystem restoration.
Since January, the dancers have been going on the ground to help clean up Taman Melawati River Three SDG Park and the Mid Valley River Three SDG Park, which ART! targets to complete by 2030.
“It’s been an eye-opening experience for them. This generation never gets their hands soiled or dirty!” says Shangita.
Working together, without superstars
Bringing Pravaham – KDT’s 27th original production – to stage has been a two-year journey.
“What began as a vision gradually evolved through months of thoughtful discussions with my frequent collaborators from Chennai, India – choreographer PT Narendran, musician OS Arun and scriptwriter Dr Va Ve Subramanian.
“Through a process of artistic exploration and collaborative exchange, our ideas eventually converged into a production that reflects both creative ambition and shared purpose.
“I’ve known them for decades and we’ve worked together in more than half my productions so there is a certain level of comfort in familiarity,” says Shangita.
Performed by 54 dancers between the ages of six and 62, including differently-abled ones, this 90-minute thematic dance presentation brings together the timeless wisdom of the holy rivers in a visually compelling and emotionally engaging theatrical experience.
There are no soloists or featured performers – everyone has a fair role to dance.
The script, in Tamil with English narration, is both poetic and profound, weaving together lyrical beauty and philosophical depth to create a narrative that resonates across generations.
Meanwhile, the music ensemble involves 30 artistes and since it is not feasible to bring the whole team down to Malaysia, Pravaham will use recorded music.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of this project has been creating opportunities for young Malaysian dancers to work alongside internationally respected artistes,” she says.
“Every master artiste brings a distinctive perspective, technique and philosophy.
“Through these interactions, students gain far more than technical refinement; they develop a deeper appreciation of the richness, diversity and evolving possibilities of bharatanatyam and dance theatre.”
Such experiences play a vital role in shaping dancers into thoughtful, well-rounded artistes.
A heritage to carry forward
Putting up a show is always a challenge for so many reasons, especially with funding but Shangita’s passion for dance fuels her energy to push beyond limitations.
“I struggle because I want my students to have the experience of dancing on stage. In the performing arts, you cannot just teach regular classes without making them perform.
“When there is a performance, there is different kind of effort that comes in. It’s a heritage they must carry forward,” she points out.
That said, the petite but feisty Shangita has been screaming at her students as she whips them into shape.
Shouting repeatedly has strained her vocal cords, which has led to temporary hoarseness more than once.
She remains unperturbed.
“Until the minute they go on stage, I must know I have given my best.
“I’m a stickler for perfection and at the rate I’m going, my daughters are worried I’m going to have a stroke or heart attack!” she concludes, laughing.
Pravaham – The Pulse Of Creation: A Journey of Art, Heritage And Environmental Consciousness will be staged on Aug 8 at 7.30pm at the Shantanand Auditorium, Temple of Fine Arts, KL. For invites, call 017-672 5672.
