Once while interviewing dancer Alarmel Valli (on phone), she mentioned how as children they would travel long distances by bus and walk to attend the programs of senior dancers like Yamini Krishnamurthy, watch the entire show and return late at night. The context we spoke in was different, but I loved the image she created and I could visualise large groups of people of mixed ages walking at night, with not much street lights, but bonded by one purpose, one interest.
I couldn't help wondering...today, streets are well lit, we have personal vehicles - 2-wheelers, 4-wheelers; we have more public transport and more venues even closer to home.
And yet, sabhas are almost empty when shows happen - regardless of seniority of the dancers.
Over the years, we have lost what they had - time. Where does it go? Why does the mundane become more important? Are we less interested in the arts - of any form? Except movies today, nothing else can make us leave our comfort zones to visit a theatre to catch up on a play, a dance performance or a music concert. Our children expect to be entertained or fed as the rare show we attend progresses. We cannot wait for the 10 minute recess between two programs.
Have we lost the ability to appreciate the classical art forms?
What are we passing on to our children?
I couldn't help wondering...today, streets are well lit, we have personal vehicles - 2-wheelers, 4-wheelers; we have more public transport and more venues even closer to home.
And yet, sabhas are almost empty when shows happen - regardless of seniority of the dancers.
Over the years, we have lost what they had - time. Where does it go? Why does the mundane become more important? Are we less interested in the arts - of any form? Except movies today, nothing else can make us leave our comfort zones to visit a theatre to catch up on a play, a dance performance or a music concert. Our children expect to be entertained or fed as the rare show we attend progresses. We cannot wait for the 10 minute recess between two programs.
Have we lost the ability to appreciate the classical art forms?
What are we passing on to our children?
How apt! I wonder too - our kids pick up fragments from us. They have less time then us as well... still trying to figure it out!
ReplyDeleteWho is to blame them, with the kind of schedules and goals they end up with! No doubt, some of our own time issues are because of this...A vicious cycle!
ReplyDeleteamazing space Meera !
ReplyDelete