The language of art may be subtle but the messages conveyed through it are strong enough to drive home a point. The language can be spoken through colours, expressions or simple mudras and Kalopasana, a Pune-based conglomeration of accomplished artistes, does it by blending the graceful mudras with abhinaya.

Today, when mankind stands appalled at the audacious spread of terrorism and violence, Kalopasana endeavours to reinstate the importance of peace and non-violence in its own artistic ways. Staging Aparajita, a dance drama by Bharatnatyam artistes of the organisation, Kalopasana tries to bring forth the relative importance of the principles of Lord Buddha in contemporary times. "Aparajita portrays the Indian culture and the Indian way of living. Inspired by Indian history and mythology, it takes instances from the life of Buddha and his principles," says Anuradha Shinde of Kalopasana.

The dance drama reflects a tug-of-war between cruel ambition and the belief in a peaceful existence and ultimately sees the victory of one over the other. While the female protagonist Aparajita condems bloodshed and all sorts of violence, the male lead, prince Ajatsatru, can go to any extent to satiate his cruel ambitions. Interestingly, this one hour 20 minute recital has women playing the lead characters.

Portraying Aparajita in a powerful light, the play stresses on the woman of substance. "Through this dance drama, I wanted to highlight the fact that if a lady is strong from the inside and sticks to her principles, then she can become an example to others," says Shinde.

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