Performed under the In Residency program of the G5A Foundation for Contemporary Culture in Mumbai, Odissi dancer Bijayini Satapathy’s latest solo performance “Trikayah” uses three Mahabharata episodes to contextualise the expressive possibilities of classical dance, identity and gender.
The performance not only challenges the conventions of classical dance, but also questions gender-based social boundaries. Using three major episodes of Mahabharata as a medium, she has presented the emotional and social complexities of various characters through dance.
This experiment of Bijayini Satpathy is an attempt to give a new direction to the traditional Odissi dance structure, in which the language of dance takes forward the cultural discourse in the context of gender and identity. His work has been widely appreciated by the audience and the contemporary art field.
Satapathy said regarding this presentation, “I have tried to highlight not only the physical expression through Trikaya, but also the intricacies of the identity within. This exhibition gave me the opportunity to redefine the traditional dance in a modern context.”
The organizers of G5A Foundation have also considered this presentation as a unique contribution on the contemporary art platform. He said that this dance not only entertains the audience but also opens new doors for social discussion.
“Trikayah” presents a wonderful example of artists addressing modern issues through traditional genres. Such programs in Mumbai encourage new experiments in the field of culture and art.
