After seeing The Manganiyar Seduction as part of the Perth International Arts Festival, I had to speculate why I hadn’t seen a vertical orchestra before. Director Roysten Abel, who began his arts career with Shakespeare, has managed to combine his background in theatricality with the music of the Maganiyar’s in a joyous, toe-tapping spectacular. A sturdy metal frame creates a huge cube on the Perth Concert Hall stage. Divided into individual boxes (four stacked rows, 36 in total), each box contained one or two musicians. Given the intensity of the music, the metal frame must have been incredibly strong – both to support the musicians and the music they created.
Each box was enclosed by red crushed velvet curtains and surrounded by light bulbs. The show began in darkness, but as the music began, the curtains of a box opened and lit up to reveal a solo musician playing. As the music progressed more and more boxes opened and lit up to reveal the singers and musicians in an outstanding build-up of sounds and rhythm. At times it seemed like disco lighting as boxes were alternately lit up then darkened as the music prescribed.
Sitting down and dressed in white traditional garments, the all male musicians strummed, banged and sung together in a vibrant, joyful symphony. A wonderful array of Indian musical instruments was showcased, including the Dholak and Dhol’s (types of drums), Kamancha (Indian equivalent to a Cello), Sarangi (an Indian string instrument played like a violin) and Bansuri, a traditional Indian Flute. Combined with the voices, it was a eye opening cultural experience of the highest degree.
Historically, the Manganiyars are Muslim musicians who performed for the kings of Rajasthan in India. Now this troupe of 40 plus musicians performs at festivals around the world. Called folk musicians by most, but with elements of classical Indian music showing through, their repertoire ranges from ballads about Kings, to Sufi poems written by various mystics, through to celebratory music for births and deaths. As Abel explained at the conclusion, the Manganiyars are a Muslim community who also worship Hindu Deities. The sole Hindu musician of the troupe led the performers in the encore hymn to Krishna.
There was a rawness and passion to the music, especially the singing, which I found instantly appealing and mesmerising. Although not understanding what they were singing about, I was drawn into the story they were weaving and the life and rhythm they were creating. The conductor (whose name I can not find unfortunately), was hypnotising to watch, dancing and sweeping his arms about as boxes lit up and faded again.
The spontaneous standing ovation the audience is a testament to the affect the piece had. The combination of the unique set, the theatricality and the divine music combined to create a stunning, uplifting and resoundingly beautiful concert. The Manganiyar Seduction is a remarkable piece of music and theatre.
2011 Perth International Arts Festival
The Manganiyar Seduction
Directed by Roysten Abel
Venue: Perth Concert Hall | 5 St. Georges Tce, Perth
Dates: Sat 12 - Sun 13 Feb 2011
Duration: 1hr 20min no interval
Tickets: $72.50 - $52.50
Bookings: www.bocsticketing.com.au