GURU
On many engravings representing India, we find a graphic of great finesse that figures an allegory: a peacock feather of royal blue which draws at its end the eye of wisdom. The whole destiny of India is in this finely calligraphed drawing: the eye of wisdom and the sacred bird of India whose longevity, clairvoyance, imperial slowness of his walk make him the sacred fetish whose every feather is considered as a omen. He is the obligatory intermediary between men and God.
The troupe comes from western India and more particularly from the region of Gujarat. It is one of the regions that was divided in the time of the maharajahs into many different states, each with its own culture and very particular beliefs in this or that deity. It is also the region with the greatest diversity of folk dances.
In this region of India, weddings took place in an incredible wealth-sharing. The sumptuousness of the costumes, the jewels spread out in necklaces or rivers of diamonds, the sweetness of silk veils colored with an inimitable red, the flood of colors are the living testimony of a luxury before which the Westerners remain dazzled. The ballet brings to life with great truth these ceremonies of yesterday which lasted no less than two weeks.
Like weddings, village festivals allowed both to pray the cobra which is the mythical animal and to beg for rain. It was also an opportunity for the girls to show off their best attire and especially their countless silver necklaces, symbols of prosperity, which they always wear on their wrists, ankles, tiaras or hanging from their noses, to the ears or on the forehead in drops of pearls as a sign of piety.
The region has long tempted invaders from the mountains or deserts. Of these wars, there remains the procession of widows in green or red silk robes that make up admirable spots of color in the vast courtyards of the temples, where they continue to pray for the ashes of deceased warriors. And then there are the fine porcelain masks that the actors put on their faces and make them look like these articulated dolls, hanging from the inventories of merchants. The group performs one of the most characteristic dances of this region.
This ensemble is directed by one of the greatest current choreographers in India. He has opened schools throughout the country to teach his subtle art, which is both sacred and playful, and for which it is essential to know the Indian culture and its sacred implications. He will make us discover them in turn in an enchantment of gestures, colors and grace.
