Gita Govinda, an odissi dance presentation will be presented by the Irvine-based Ektaa Center. The production features Sujata Mohapatra, disciple and daughter-in-law of legendary Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, the doyen and architect of the odissi dance of today.
She and Rajib Bhattacharya will perform with the award-winning Menaka Thakkar Dance Company of Toronto. A tribute to the late guru, this production includes elements of narrative script, visual imagery, innovative new musical passages added to the magnificent choreographic work to transform this classic into a theatrical experience not to be missed.
Gita Govinda is a complete dance interpretation of the Sanskrit poem by the 12th-century poet Jayadeva. Revered as a masterpiece of lyrical and poetic content, it has held the imagination of generations with its rich imagery, its entrancing music, and its passionate depiction of the relationship of Radha and Lord Krishna.
Artistic director Menaka Thakkar, who was also a disciple of the late Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, created a two-hour odissi dance solo version of Gita Govinda in 1978, which she performed for over 25 years. Thakkar and Ratikant Mohapatra, the son of Guru Mohapatra, partnered to develop an original choreography with music composed by Ashit Desai and Ratikant Mohapatra.
Sunday, Oct. 3, 6 p.m. James Armstrong Theater, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance. $18. (310) 781-7171. (949) 300-8912. www.ektaacenter.org.
Guru Shradha will present Gita Govinda in the Bay Area on Sunday, Oct. 10, 6:30 p.m. Woodside Performing Arts Center, 199 Churchill Ave., Woodside. Tickets: http://sulekha.com/Bay Area. (408) 871-5959, (408) 657-8150, (408) 930-4620.gurushradha@gmail.com. gurushradha.org.