The 6th Musical Weekend of Carnoules took place in the South of France. Bathed in brilliant sunshine, the village took on a festive atmosphere and the audience, which came from far and wide, were witness to Indian and India-inspired events over three days.

The first day saw episodes from the Ramayana set to dance by the Bharata Natyam exponent from Mumbai, Deepak Mazumdar. The essentially French audience were able to capture a vivid panorama of some of India's most popular tales, brought out very effectively by this talented dancer.

This was followed, the day after, by 'La Foret Mouillee', a musical adapted from a play by Victor Hugo in which the theatre group and choir of La Tartuga in France participated. The play, full of imagination and fantasy, using diverse music by Delibes, Duparc, Faure, Gluck, Milhaud, Mozart, Rameau, Puccini, music-hall and rock, was directed by Bernard Turle, also the Festival Director.

The third and final evening started with the sitar-tabla duo SAAJ from France.

And ended on a brilliant note with a Bharata Natyam recital by one of India's most remarkable male dancers: Rohinton Cama. For his numerous friends and admirers who had seen him on previous visits to France and Europe and who came from far and wide, this was a nostalgic journey down memory lane.

Rohinton performed after an absence of eight years. But nothing of the intense beauty of his dance, the pure line, controlled intensity and refined movements have been lost over this long period. All of us who admire his talent and respect Rohinton for his integrity of approach to his art are unanimous in hoping that he will once again grace the stages of both India and Europe.

Our thanks to Bernard Turle and la Tartuga for a weekend of warm hospitality and immense cultural fulfilment!

Shireen Isal - Sargam