SEA Arts

Dance of the Cobra

A Shandy Park Community Performance

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

The performers enter in procession
The Serpent Goddess confronts an off-stage demon!

 

The procession of Apsaras with Forest Song to the left and the Demon General Rakativija to the right

 

The Serpent Goddess and her retinue
Everyone is inconsolable at the kidnap of Flying Cloud

 

The Apsaras go off swim in the river
Forest Song searching for Flying Cloud

 

Forest Song offers to go and find Flying Cloud
Flying Cloud in the embrace of the Demon General, Jester Rapper and Demon Spiders

 

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

 

 

For details of Behind the Scene click here

 

 

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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