The love story of Eros & Psyche is one of the most beautiful Greek myths.
SHREYANSH RAVAT attends the powerful drama by three contemporary dancers from Portugal. Images/SANJEEV KUMAR
The Greek mythological tale of Eros & Psyche has inspired spectrum of artistes for centuries. At Delhi International Arts Festival, it was a memorable evening as Portuguese group ‘Companhia de Dança Contemporânea de Évora’ presented their version of the legendary tale. Three contemporary dancers, Nelia Pinheir, Emelio .J. Cervello and Goncalo Andrade, unfolded the mystic, metamorphosing the stage into a dreamy-like chariot with violin notes in the background. Sans dialogue, the entire act was a powerful stroke of emotions. We couldn’t take our eyes off from the freewheeling acrobatics of the performers. There was hardly a moment of pause yet they punched hearts with their moments of silence.
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As the legend goes, princess Psyche was dazzlingly beautiful and had to surpass many tests, as put forth by the goddess of love Aphordite, before finding her lover Eros. The strings fiddled in the background of the act exemplified loss, sufferings, isolation and a war within. Truly, bereft of love! Artiste Nelia Pinheir, also the choreographer of the show, told us that the character of Psyche is so strong that it becomes very difficult to get out of her skin after the performance. Half an hour after her show, she said, “I’m trying to be in ‘this’ reality because ‘that’ reality is very deep… And I’m stuck there.” The performers are floored by the Indian hospitality and would love to come back. According to the group, the cultural exchange only takes forward the historic ties India has had with Portugal.
Contemporary dance is quite popular in her country, which is pretty evident from the group’s packed schedule. For the next three months, they are either rehearsing or performing almost daily. The group is touring to different countries though they have little knowledge about India. “What’s Bollywood?” she asked with smile. “I’m devoted to my dance, nothing else,” she said.
