On the fourth day of the sixth edition of Abhivyakti – The City Arts Project, organised by the UNM Foundation of the Mehta Family’s Torrent Group, offered a spectacular showcase of artistic genres, from puppetry to ballet, creating an unforgettable experience for its Sunday audience.
Neelakantan I. Krishnan delivered a spellbinding Carnatic music performance titled Swayam: The Voice Within. This unique recital depicted the ten avatars of Vishnu through an innovative fusion of traditional Indian music and contemporary Western elements. Each composition encapsulated the essence of an avatar, blending classical ragas, rhythmic syllables, and modern instrumentation. With lyrics crafted by esteemed writers, the performance delved into themes of strength, humility, and compassion, creating a rich and emotive soundscape.
Ballet and Kathak Unite in Panchtatva
Dipak and Bhoomiti Prajapati presented Panchtatva – The Symphony of Senses, a Neo-Classical Ballet and Contemporary dance production. Their performance portrayed the journey of a protagonist rediscovering life with the guidance of a mentor and the five elements of nature. The fusion of Dipak’s ballet expertise and Bhoomiti’s Kathak storytelling offered a poignant narrative of sensory renewal and the human connection with nature.
Retelling Epics Through Kathak
Kathak dancer Kadam Parikh brought medieval Gujarati poet Premanand’s Abhimanyu Parv to life in Kathak Aakhyan. His intricate movements and expressive storytelling illuminated the lesser-known facets of Abhimanyu, a celebrated figure from the Mahabharata. Parikh’s performance captured the emotional depth and bravery of the young warrior, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
Folk Fusion with a Gandhian Lens
Curated by Arif Mir, the folk-fusion performance Gol Chashma drew inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings. It explored the relevance of Gandhian philosophy in contemporary society through music that highlighted the interconnectedness of humanity. The production offered a fresh perspective on Gandhi’s worldview, urging the audience to embrace harmony and simplicity in everyday life.
Historical Drama in Folklore
Deval Vora and Asif Ajmeri recreated the legend of Jogidas Khuman in Jogidas Khuman – Ek Sant Baharvatiyo. The historical drama recounted the tale of the Kathiyawadi hero who defied the Bhavnagar State’s king for 25 years. Presented in the style of folklore, the narrative combined live music, dance, and songs to celebrate Khuman’s fight for justice and his transformation into a revered saint.
Humour in Poetry with Marzi Mushayra
Kiran Panchal and his team entertained with Marzi Mushayra, a playful blend of traditional poetry recitation and audience-driven challenges. The humorous and satirical format focused on everyday life and social issues, creating a light-hearted yet thought-provoking experience for attendees.
Visual Arts Highlight Environmental and Personal Themes
Rajani Bhosale’s installation, Glimpses of Past in Present, invited viewers to reflect on the balance between human progress and natural heritage. Her work highlighted the importance of coexisting harmoniously with nature, urging contemplation of humanity’s impact on the environment.
Chetan Solanki’s Time Flies and Memories Fade explored themes of loss and fragility. Inspired by the Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, the installation used handmade tiles and bird imagery to evoke introspection and empathy.
Sculptor Tanya Sharma’s Hide and Seek encouraged viewers to embark on a journey of self-discovery. Her thought-provoking sculptures unravelled the complexities of the human psyche, challenging preconceived notions and inspiring personal transformation.
Performance Schedule for 26th November 2024:
| Venue | Artists | Theme | Art Form | Time |
| Amphitheatre – GU Campus | Jaymin Vaidhya | Mehfile-e-sama | Music – Qawwalli | 07:15 pm |
| Auditorium – GU Campus | Karthik | The Wolfman | Theatre – Fantasy Drama | 07:15 pm |
| Manch – GU Campus | Rakesh Wani | Anant Lay | Music – Rhythm Fusion | 07:15 pm |
| ATIRA | Srilakshmi | I am a disco dancer | Dance – Waccking | 07:15 pm |
| Platform ATIRA | Tarak Patel | Urban Drums | Dance – Afro Dance | 08:30 pm |
| Amphitheatre – GU Campus | Gopal Agarwal & Aakash Vanzara | Territorial | Dance – Contemporary with Martial Arts | 09:30 pm |
| Auditorium – GU Campus | Aman Raithata | MeghShyam | Music – Indo-wester classical fusion | 09:30 pm |
| Manch – GU Campus | Dhara Rughani | Dhaag Samvad | Dance – Contemporary & its sub forms | 09:30 pm |
| ATIRA | Mukt Band | The Palette Of Time | Music – Fusion Rock | 09:30 pm |
Abhivyakti – The City Arts Project is an endeavor of UNM Foundation of Mehta Family’s Torrent Group, which envisions making art an integral part of the social fabric, by enabling access for audiences without constraint of location, thresholds (physical and individual) and social or economic strata by free entry. The sixth edition of Abhivyakti is being held from November 21 till December 08, 2024. This year 49 artists will present 50 performances. Further 46 visual arts will be designed and set up by 47 artists.
Also Read: Abhivyakti Edition-6 Day 3: Modern Music Meets Ancient Stories
