SEA Arts
Dance of the Cobra
A Shandy Park Community Performance
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Summary of the Story Manusha (the Naga Queen of Indian mythology) enters with her retinue of Apsaras and Flying Cloud (the principal Apsara). Love blossoms between Flying Cloud and Forest Song (a Gandharva). At this point the General of the Demon Army, Raktivija, enters with his retinue of Demon Spiders and Jester Rapper. While the Apsaras are away swimming in the Padma River, Flying Cloud is abducted by Rakativija who casts her under a spell, which turns her into a White Cobra. Manusha is furious at the loss of her favourite Apsara and set off to attack Raktavija. However Flying Cloud, transformed into the White Cobra, serves as a protective shield against Manusha. Meanwhile Forest Song, although a minor spirit, is determined to rescue Flying Cloud and offers to find and save her. Eventually he manages to locate where she has been hidden and together they declare their determination to overcome the sleeping Rakatvija. Forest Song leads the general attack to confuse and vanquish Raktavija. They all celebrate with dance afterwards. |
Ni Madé Pujawati as Manusha Devi, the Serpent Goddess, the Cobra Queen |
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The performers enter in procession |
The Serpent Goddess confronts an off-stage demon! |
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The procession of Apsaras with Forest Song to the left and the Demon General
Rakativija
to the right |
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The Serpent Goddess and her retinue |
Everyone is inconsolable at the kidnap of Flying Cloud |
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The Apsaras go off swim in the river |
Forest Song searching for Flying Cloud |
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Forest Song offers to go and find Flying Cloud |
Flying Cloud in the embrace of the Demon General, Jester Rapper and Demon Spiders |
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Forest Song finds Flying Cloud and they plan to overwhelm the sleeping Demon General |
The assault and defeat of the forces of the Demon General |
And afterwards a Bollywood dance - Dhoom
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Dance of the Cobra was funded by Arts Council England and Ocean NDC. It was a River Cultures Festival production in association with FIPA (Foundation for Indian Performing Arts) with rehearsal space provided by Arbour Youth Centre. Artistic direction Hi Ching Photographs ©2007 Mark Hobart from a performance at Shandy Park Stepney London
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