Unique performance explores man's existence in Kaliyug

New Delhi, March 27 (IANS) Norwegian black metal, Indian classical dance and classical music came together on one stage to captivate the audience in a performance titled 'Questionings'.

The performance, held at the capital's Kamani auditorium, saw Bharatnatyam dancer, Rukmini Chatterjee collaborate with black metal band, Vried in a performance organised by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).

The performance 'to explore man's existence in Kaliyug' began with Chatterjee quoting the description of Kaliyug from Hindu scriptures and Sture, the vocalist for Vried claiming to see a similar vision of the end.

The performance also included an audiovisual where a girl spoke about depleting water and other natural resources, while another presenter read out from an Indian scripture that described Kaliyug in an eerily accurate description of post-industrial world.

The lyrics came from three Vried songs and Hindu chants such as the 'Mahamrutyunjaya mantra', touching topics such as the end of the world and death.

'The concept originated five years ago when I heard a black metal performance. The performance reminded me of the tantrik rituals at Kamakhya (temple),' said Chatterjee.

'The performance focuses on how can we (society) go from darkness towards light in this age, which is described very accurately in our scriptures as an age of chaos,' she added.

Chatterjee claimed that the the lyrics used in black metal music were 'very close to Indian tantrik verses,' with prominent usage of taboo themes.

For the members of Vried, it was a new experience with a completely new audience.

'Its a completely new experience for us. This is a completely different audience but their response was just great,' claimed Jarle, founder of the band.

'We are going to Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Bangalore on this tour,' he told IANS.

Norwegian Ambassador Ann Ollestad was the guest of honour along with ICCR chairman S.K. Goel.