Perfect Nritta and Abhinaya that touched everyone was the hallmark of Urmila Satyanarayana’s presentation at Keefe Technical School Auditorium on Saturday September 13, 2003. The recital was held to raise funds for the Chennai based charity Udavum Karanagal. It is not often that the Boston area is treated to such a wonderful concert.

Urmila began the program with a simple Anjali. Following the Anjali, Urmila presented a Navarasa Varnam , “Angayar Kani”. The vivid portrayal of the various episodes drawn from the life of Madurai Meenakshi highlighting the nine different rasas was a treat. The complex Jathis along with the superb Abhinaya did justice to this beautiful and difficult composition by the Maestro Lalgudi. S. Jayaraman. In the second half, Urmila presented a solo dance drama Panchali Shabadam or the "Vow of Panchali". I have rarely seen such a beautiful and sensitive depiction of the famous court scene where the Pandavas loose at the game of dice and Draupadi is insulted. Each character was brought to life beautifully. No explanations were needed to understand the piece. The frustration of Duryodhana, the cunning of Shakuni, the cruelty of Dushasana were clearly brought out.

The piece-de-resistance was the portrayal of Draupadi as she transitions from one who is afraid at being dragged to court, to one who is trying to protect herself from Dushasana’s violence and finally to one who surrenders herself to Krishna. The portrayal completely drew the audience into the court of Mahabharata where the game of dice was being played. The dance spoke for itself and that is the true test of a beautiful presentation. The orchestra was superb and perfectly complimented the dance. For those who missed this concert, it was a great loss indeed.

The guest of honor at the event was Shri. Vidyakar , the Founder of Udavum Karanagal. A moving documentary detailing the wonderful work of this organization was presented. “All I know is to serve” said Shri. Vidyakar in his simple yet powerful speech which stood testimony to his commitment to this great charity which helps those who have been casteaway from society. be it rescuing babies from dustbins or giving a home to the dying and destitute people. To find out more about this organization please check out their website at http://www.udavumkarangal.org.

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