New Delhi witnessed an enchanting display of Odissi dance as Zofia Lichota, a disciple of the esteemed Guru Ranjana Gauhar for the past decade, graced the stage with her highly anticipated performance, titled ‘Mahabhutas – Between Air and Earth’. This solo showcase marked a significant milestone in Lichota’s artistic journey, leaving an indelible impression on the audience.
The event was graced by eminent personalities including Kathak exponent Shovana Narayan (Padma Shri), Mohiniyattam exponent Bharati Shivaji (Padma Shri & SNA Awardee), Odissi exponent Ranjana Gauhar (Padmashree & SNA Awardee), Chargé d’affaires a.i. Mr. Sebastian Domzalski (Poland in India), Kathak exponent Uma Dogra, Kathak exponent Alaknanda as a State Icon for Election Commission, New Delhi, Odissi exponent Sharon Lowen, and Odissi exponent Jyoti Shrivastava, among others.
Zofia Lichota sees herself as an ambassador of Odissi dance in Poland, actively promoting this classical art form overseas. Collaborating closely with the Indian Embassy in Poland, she has presented numerous performances both in Poland and abroad.
Her mentor, Padmashree & SNA Awardee Ranjana Gauhar, is a globally renowned figure in the world of Odissi dance, acclaimed for her multifaceted contributions as a dancer, writer, filmmaker-producer, choreographer, and festival curator. Gauhar, who received the Padmashree in 2003 and SNA award in 2007, serves as the artistic director of Utsav’s repertory, known for its exceptional standards of performance.
‘Mahabhutas’ is a solo Odissi performance that delves into the profound relationship between the elements of air and earth. Through five traditional choreographies accompanied by a live orchestra, Zofia Lichota takes the audience on a mesmerising journey exploring the divine essence of air, the nurturing power of earth, and the emotive interplay between them.
The performance featured a captivating selection of pieces:
- Mangalacharan- Manikya Veena: An invocation to Saraswati, the goddess of music, poetry, and art, showcasing the graceful movements of Odissi dance.
- Shankarabarnam Pallavi: Depicting the delicate and blossoming movements characteristic of Odissi, inspired by the beauty of nature and temple sculptures in Odisha.
- Lalit Lavang Lata – Abhinaya: An ashtapadi from Shri Geet Govindam celebrating springtime, love, and longing.
- Radharani – Oriya song: Portraying the playful love story of Krishna and Radha, capturing the essence of divine love.
- Devi Shodashi followed by Moksha: Paying homage to the eternal Shakti and her 16 forms, and depicting liberation from the cycle of life and death.
- ‘Mahabhutas’ symbolizes not just a dance performance but also Zofia Lichota’s journey of dedication to Odissi under the guidance of Guru Padmashree Ranjana Gauhar. It reflects her technical proficiency as well as her profound understanding of the philosophical and emotional dimensions of this classical Indian dance form.
Reflecting on her performance, Zofia remarks, “Mahabhutas is a realization of my dreams. It is a tribute to my guru, my love for Odissi, and my deep connection with the natural world. Through this performance, I aim to share the beauty and wisdom of Odissi with the audience, inspiring them to recognize the divine essence in our everyday lives.”
Guru Padmashree Ranjana Gauhar expresses her pride in Zofia’s accomplishments, stating, “Zofia’s dedication and passion for Odissi are truly commendable. ‘Mahabhutas’ is a testament to her talent, hard work, and understanding of this art form. I am confident that she will continue to enchant audiences with her artistry and grace.”
