For the past three years, the Janak Khendry Dance Company (JKDC) has pooled its resources to transform John Milton’s classical piece, titled Paradise Lost, to a full-throttle musical production.
Last weekend in Toronto, the JKDC presented the world premiere of Paradise Lost. The piece that revolves around the well known biblical story of the temptation of Adam and Eve by Satan and their expulsion from the Garden of Eden.
L-R: Sinthuja Jeyarajah, Divya Divakaran, Harinnya Rajasekeran in Paradise Lost / David Hou
Janak Khendry, a well-known classical dancer and choreographer, chose this particular piece because of its illustration of good versus evil, God versus Satan and the role of humans as pawns. The basic concept of this particular piece holds universal relevance. As an example, Indian scriptures such as the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads also focus on the same concepts as is shown in Paradise Lost.
Original music for the play was created by well-known composers, Eric Cadesky (a Canadian composer), Ashit Desai, and Alap Desai (classical Indian composers). Classical Indian and modern western dance styles blended together showcased Milton’s archetypal struggle between good and evil. The unique ensemble allowed the production team to represent the parallels between Milton’s classical piece and the abovementioned Indian scriptures.
In addition to orchestrating a strong team of composers, distinguished Canadian dancers also took part by playing characters relevant to Paradise Lost. Allen Kaeja played Satan, Eddie Kastrau as Adam, Kala Vageesan as Eve, Daniel McArthur was Gabriel, Austin Fagan as Michael, Tyler Glendhill played Raphaeil, Harikishan S. Nair was the son of God, Mateo Galindo Torres was Iriel and, lastly Janak Khendry as the Almighty.
Allen Kaeja as Satan and Harikishan S Nair as Son of God in battle/ David Hou
Both actors who played Adam and Eve have been praised for their talents in bringing both grace and humor to their characters. Allen Kaeja who played Satan, was also successful in portraying his character, evil, sensual and mischievous. Praised for his portrayal of a seductive serpent during the scene in which he approaches Eve.
We applaud Khendry for successfully creating a fusion take on the biblical tale, transforming a difficult piece into a compelling, contemporary production.
Source: Director, DW Communications Inc.
Featured Image:Harikishan S Nair and Janak Khendry/by David Hou
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