Call of the Flute: A Confluence of Kuchipudi & Pichwai
Experience a rare collaboration where the rhythmic grace of Kuchipudi meets the sacred visual art of Pichwai and the soulful resonance of the flute.
The poster for 'Call of the Flute', a 'Baithak' or intimate concert where I collaborated with Pichwai artist Shan Bhatnagar and flautist Hrishikesh Majumdar.
In this video, Shan Bhatnagar and I discuss the concept behind 'Call of the Flute', explaining how we bring together the visual art of Pichwai from the north with the dance form of Kuchipudi from the south.
A glimpse of the multi-media experience of 'Call of the Flute'. You can see me dancing, the projected Pichwai painting, and the setup for the live music, all coming together to tell the story of Krishna.
Performing in front of a projected Pichwai painting. This collaboration with artist Shan Bhatnagar was a fascinating exploration of how visual art and dance can enrich one another.
Photos from our show at G5A in Mumbai. It was the first time we created a whole piece using only the flute for Kuchipudi, and the audience response was wonderful.
In this clip, I speak about the unique experience of performing 'Call of the Flute' in an intimate 'baithak' setting, where the audience and artists become one.
This review beautifully captures the essence of our collaboration, describing it as a "confluence" and a "transdisciplinary approach" that gives the arts new meaning.
'Call of the Flute' combines the stories of Krishna as told through Pichwai painting with the expressive movements of Kuchipudi, all set to the divine sound of the flute.
A short clip from the audience's perspective, showing the final bows after our performance of 'Call of the Flute' with my wonderful co-artists.
A simple, elegant announcement for our Mumbai premiere of 'Call of the Flute', using hand mudras to evoke the themes of the performance.
About Call of the Flute: A Confluence of Arts
This production is best suited for intimate, seated settings, which allow the audience to fully engage with the subtle nuances of the flute and the intricate visual storytelling of the Pichwai art. We work closely with your technical team during the sound check to ensure that the lighting, projection, and live music are perfectly balanced, creating a seamless and immersive atmosphere.
A Conversation Between Art Forms
'Call of the Flute' is not just a dance performance, it is a conversation. By bringing together Kuchipudi dance, the flute playing of Hrishikesh Majumdar, and the Pichwai paintings of Shan Bhatnagar, we explore the Vaishnavite iconography of Lord Krishna. Each art form informs the other. The flute melody draws the audience in, the visual projection of the Pichwai painting provides the narrative backdrop, and the Kuchipudi movement brings the stories of Krishna's leelas to life.
The Baithak Format
We often perform this in a 'Baithak' format, an intimate gathering that brings artists and audiences closer together. This allows for a unique level of interaction where the performance feels less like a distant show and more like a shared experience. We have successfully adapted this production for venues like G5A in Mumbai, proving that it thrives in spaces where the energy can be contained and shared.
Technical and Logistical Details
This is a complex, multi-disciplinary showcase that requires coordination. We integrate live music, guest artists, and dynamic projection backdrops.
- Production Needs: A dedicated lighting designer and projection technician are essential to manage the mood and visual flow.
- Stage Requirements: We need a space that supports live acoustics and technical projection setups.
- Booking: Because this involves multiple artists and technical planning, we require at least three months of lead time to coordinate schedules and ensure the technical setup is precise.
Whether you are hosting a cultural festival or a private event looking for something profound, this production offers a deep dive into the intersection of movement, music, and painting.
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