Review – Bharata Natyam and Beethoven

Cross-cultural experiences can be very rewarding things. We’re all ultimately tribal drones incapable of embracing the globalised and multicultural world that we currently enjoy – that is, we can embrace it – we just can’t escape a small throb of pride when “they” appreciate “our” stuff. When a young Sudanese athlete takes vigorously to our national sport; when obscure Swedish literati condescend upon our authors; when golden globes pile up at the feet of our actors.

I must admit that I felt such a throb when in Bharata Natyam and Beethoven, traditional South Indian dancers beautifully and soulfully embraced the music of Ludwig van Beethoven: my very modest Germanic heritage had nothing to do with my feelings, it was that a tradition totally alien to me could reinvigorate my appreciation for something I had long loved. The delicacy and grace of the dancers and their innovative interpretation of the work (the 5th Symphony) was indeed charming. They brought two worlds together that seem, at first consideration, so very remote.

This performance was one of those bijou triumphs that make the Adelaide Fringe such a rewarding event if you are willing to spend a little time away from the spectacles and sensations, and seek out something a little bit different.