Rimpa Siva lives in Calcutta, in the midst of the exuberant Bengali crowd. She is 11 years old, and, like all children, she loves playing and conjuring up imaginary characters with which she may converse. But more than all the others, she knows how to speak without words. Her passion resonates in the sounds of the tables. She is one of the few girls in India to play this instrument which rhythms are said to be among the most complex in the world. Her Guru, who is also her father, is descended from one of the greatest musical dynasties (gharana) in India. He guides her spiritually and technically though the secular repertoire, which has always been handed down orally. Through Rimpa Siva’s daily life and the people she meets, we are immersed in the subtle feeling and very elaborate nature of classical Indian music. We become aware of the special relationship between music and the world of religion, of collective imagination, of poetry and of sensuality. Throughout this tale, we are amazed by Rimpa Siva’s concentration, memory, imagination and virtuosity as she plays the tables.
Directed by: Patrick Glaize • A Boréales Production • Release Year: 1999
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Grade Levels: 4 to Adult