A thoughtfully curated Bharatanatyam recital by Noopura Nrithyalaya, under the guidance of its Founder-Director Divya Prashant, was presented on Jan. 14 at JCAC, Mysuru, to a packed auditorium.

The audience included a notable number of foreign art-lovers, reflecting Mysuru’s growing reputation as a global centre for classical Indian arts.

From the opening moments, the recital held the audience’s attention, with each presentation receiving generous and sustained applause.

The programme was marked by strong narrative depth and emotive expression. A major highlight was the portrayal of Lord Rama’s life, which juxtaposed the divine joy of his wedding in Mithila with the pathos of his exile, capturing themes of dharma, sacrifice and unwavering resolve. The transition between celebration and renunciation was rendered with sensitivity, drawing the audience deeply into the emotional journey of the epic.

Grace and lyrical fluidity were brought to the stage through a Mohiniyattam presentation centred on Lord Narayana. The piece stood out for its restrained elegance, soft movements and devotional intensity, offering a serene contrast within the evening’s repertoire. Equally impactful was a powerful depiction of Goddess Kali, where controlled energy, sharp rhythmic patterns and commanding abhinaya conveyed both her fierce form and her cosmic role as the destroyer of evil.

The story-telling continued with a dramatic episode drawn from the Mahabharata, showcasing expressive abhinaya and clarity of narrative, before culminating in a grand finale dedicated to the Divine Mother in Revathi raga.

This concluding piece celebrated the Goddess as an embodiment of strength, compassion and protection, unfolding with visual symmetry and rhythmic precision. The finale brought the entire programme to a resounding close, with the audience rising in appreciation and applauding the performers for a presentation that combined artistic excellence with spiritual depth.