October 12, 2020
Dhi is a Sanskrit word with various meanings relating to the mind. Meditation, imagination or reflection are all apt definitions. For NUS Indian Dance, Dhi is the beginning of a journey of self-discovery arising from internal conflicts.
One of their more unique performances in this multi-part film presentation is their Bharatanatyam interpretation of Abdul Ghani Hamid’s poem, Terkocak. We connected with Arjavi Bahety, former president of NUS Indian Dance, to find out more about their experience in translating Hamid’s poem into dance.
Why Terkocak?
Terkocak, meaning splashed, describes Hamid’s dream of a man who dives deep into a rippling pond, surrounded by lush trees and playful grasshoppers. In the water’s depths, he grapples with his solitude, to emerge with a profound understanding of himself.
This poem touched Mrs. Bhaskar deeply, and its setting in a garden was apt for its interpretation in Dhi. Thus, against the serene background of the Singapore Botanical Gardens, we adapted Mr Hamid’s poem to emote this journey of self-discovery through the inner turmoil of loneliness.