There were many gems in the presentation. One was ‘Jo Achuthananda’ in Kapi ragam, a lullaby taken in the context of a mother regaling her child with stories about Krishna while putting her child to sleep. Urmila handled the play of time and space very well when she moved from the role of Yashoda to the mother, both putting their children to bed. The tenderness of vatsalya bhava was eloquent on the dancer’s face, bringing out her spontaneity and vivaciousness. This is what one was looking for in the programme earlier on. ‘Muddugare Yashoda’ in Kurunji was another enjoyable piece, where the dancer chose to concentrate mainly on Krishna’s pranks. The penultimate ‘Brahmamokate’ in Bowli ragam, Adi talam, was also a delightful composition portrayed with feeling, to an infectious beat, where the poet declares Venkateshwara as the salvation for all.

However, the best was ‘Alarulu Kuriyaga’ in Sankarabarnam ragam, Adi talam featuring Alamelmanga’s dance for Lord Venkateshwara. Though not in tune with the theme of the programme, it was a beautiful creation with crisp nritta patterns full of rhythm and grace, representing the Goddess’ lasya tastefully. Some of the dance movements mentioned in the text were attempted, though their reference per se from a 500-year old text is quite unclear.

Though the production was well put together, one felt it did not do justice to Urmila’s considerable talent in the intricacies of dramatisation and nritta. The delineation of the Dashavataar in ‘Indariki abhayambu’ in ragamalika was a neat display, but without the fireworks that she is capable of. ‘Bhavayami Gopala Balam’ in Yaman Kalyani ragam, Khanda chapu talam, the ‘title song’ of the production was preceded by a beautiful interlude by the tuneful accompanists Sikhamani and Venkatesh on the violin and flute respectively. One did miss music of the soul-stirring variety that evening. A good musician in addition to Swamimalai Suresh’s proficient handling of the cymbals may have well made all the difference and provided the extra momentum, for a predominantly musical production such as this.