Pagrav Dance Company’s ‘ Kattam Katti’ takes you into the world of kites

Excitement soars when one thinks of Uttarayan, the popular festival of kites in Gujarat. ‘Kattam Katti’ by Pagrav Dance Company, U.K., choreographed by Urja Desai Thakore is inspired by the festival. Based on a poem by Avinash Vyas, the dance production draws parallels between life and kites. As part of the company’s India tour, it was recently staged in Chennai and presented by Anita Ratnam and Narthaki Global Media.

The dancers moved across the stage holding threads that transformed into stark red horizontal lines — this not only brought out the symbolism of the kite, but also carved a spatial dimension on stage (set design by Simon Daw). But the threads could have been used better as a prop to convey the philosophy of how it could be limiting as well as liberating.

The manner in which the musicians became actors weaving through the performance was interesting. Without the routine pattern of a recorded score, it was refreshing to hear live music on stage. Rich vocal alaaps, the earthy sounds of the clay instrument Uddu, the rhythmic fervour of the kanjira, the haunting notes of the flute, and, at times, just the notes of the tanpura in the background enhanced the aural and visual experience.

Kite flying is a beautiful festival with several kites adorning the sky like colourful dots. Minimalism was the watchword when it came to every aspect of the production. And so, while the dance was neat and the costumes seemed comfortable, you were unable to experience the splash of colours.

The dancers’ footwork added to the raw energy of the soundscape since the ghungroos that are intrinsic to Kathak were not used. In a coordinated colour palette, the dancers moved around with finesse. However, repetitive movements and the constant gaze at the sky brought in some monotony. Also, the music and dance impressed as individual entities, but didn’t quite capture the emotions associated with the festival.

But the best takeaway of the production was the novelty of the theme. It feels nice when the distance between art and life is bridged.