Romeo
& Juliet, the immortal love-saga
of Shakespeare, which has stirred millions of hearts all over
the world, inspired thousands of poets and novelists in every
region - has been created and re-created in the theatre and
dance forms by some of the greatest artistes of the last century.
Strangely though this popular ballet has not been much attempted
in the classical Indian dance forms.
Having witnessed it innumerable times, I was greatly inspired
to explore the versatile and powerful idiom of Kathak in choreographing
this work in the ballet form, using no verbal material. While
working on it in the past one year, I closely analyzed the movements,
the stances, the patterns used by famous ballet artistes - namely
Margot Fontene, Nureyev, Allessandra Ferri, Wayne Eagling and
others, and found a strong similarity with Kathak.
The character of Juliet, as performed by some of them, had always
haunted me and I had dreamt of playing this powerful role.
My
association with the artistes and students of Kolkata has become
very deep over the past few years. Their dedication, sincerity
and thirst to learn, is unmatched. Hence I decided to work on
this major presentation in this culturally vibrant city.
I am grateful to my great Guru Pt. Birju Maharaj for his immense
support, I thank Louis Banks who has extended a friendly hand;
I am happy to get the guidance of Smt. Rita Ganguly in several
ideas.
The
presence of H. E. Shri Virden J. Shah, and Governor of West Bengal
for the premiere show is a great inspiration for all of us.
Finally I thank, from the core of my heart, my loving friends,
and dancers, students who have always been by my side for the
success of this production.
May
the Lord Bless Us.
