Time Out New York Kids Online
Exclusive: May 7, 2007
Rag against the machine
Something different this way comes (to the New Vic).
Dance fans may be accustomed to taking their kids to the Joyce for a glimpse
at the latest modern company. This weekend, a detour to midtown is in order
to see Ragamala perform at the New Victory Theatre (through Sunday). The Minneapolis-based
troupe specializes in Bharatanayam, a traditional South Indian form in which
performers tell stories through quick, subtle movements and animated facial
expressions. Kids might recognize the style, as well as the colorful costumes,
from the recent Broadway show Bombay Dreams (emphasis on the 'bomb,' unfortunately).
Ragamala, however, does proud justice to Indian culture.
The performance lasts about an hour and fifteen minutes and consists of several
ensemble dance pieces, plus a stunning solo by co-artistic director Aparna Ramaswamy.
There's also a beautiful duet between Ramaswamy and former Ailey dancer Toni-Pierce
Sands that subtly compares ballet with Baratanatyam as the dancers move similarly
in their respective styles. Filling the time between dance pieces are musical
interludes that range from an impressive tabla/mridangam drum battle to an exquisite
sitar exhibition by Shubhendra Rao. The best piece, titled Sva, is saved for
last. Following a short performance of Japanese taiko drumming by the Wadaiko
Ensemble Tokra, Ragamala comes onstage in striking black costumes and launches
into its quick, contained movements (which, by now, have become familiar). Juxtaposed
against the powerful rhythms of Wadaiko's drums, these sharp, subtle gestures
become graspingly beautiful. Some of the pieces do run a bit long, so you should
take your kid's restlessness quotient into account. Still, this is an entertaining,
at times sublime, dance exhibition-even if it isn't at the Joyce. Ages 8 and
up. - Katharine Rust
Thu 10, Fri 11 at 7pm; Sat 12 at 2, 7pm; Sun 13 at noon, 5pm. New Victory Theater, 209 W 42nd St between Broadway and Eighth Ave (212-239-6200, newvictory.org). Subway: N, Q, R, W, 42nd St S, 1, 2, 3, 7 to 42nd St-Times Sq. $12.50-$35.
