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Preserving an artistic tradition

K.K. GOPALAKRISHNAN

The third in a series of Koodiyattom recitals, performed by a few up-and-coming artistes, was staged in Thrissur recently.



Veera-sringara: Ammannur Rajaneesh Chakyar as Bheema.

Koodiyattom, the ancient Sanskrit theatre, is unique to Kerala. Although the UNESCO has recognised Koodiyattom as the “intangible cultural heritage of humanity,” not many in Kerala follow the nuances of this form of theatre. As a result, stages and performances are few and far in between.

In this backdrop, a few up-and-coming Koodiyattom artistes in Thrissur and around have come up with a novel plan of arranging a monthly performance in Thrissur so as to earn enough stage experience (rangaparichaya) and create a space of their own.

It is also an opportunity for art lovers to familiarise themselves with the technical and aesthetics of the art form.
Abridged versions

Lengthy traditional performances have been abridged to 90-minute recitals that deal with each sloka in its order.

It is preceded by a detailed lecture-demonstration of about 30 minutes. The plays are staged by alumni of Kerala Kalamandalam and artistes of Ammannur Chachuchakyar Smaraka Gurukulam.

‘Kalyanasoughandhigam,’ authored by Neelakandakavi of the 8th century, was selected as the first story for this venture.

The first two programmes of the series were staged in July and August with Pothiyil Ranjit Chakyar and Sooraj Nambiar in the role of Bheema and Panchali respectively

The third in the series, held at Thekkemadham Hall in Thrissur, had Ammannur Rajaneesh Chakyar in the role of Bheema. He interpreted the sloka ‘aho mahanayam nayanotsava ihahi,’ which shows Bheema in veera-sringara.

Rajaneesh depicted the Devas and the Gandharvas and their women dancing and singing. The subsequent scene was that of a group of asuras and their women revelling and playing a game of dice.

Rhythmic support on the mizhavu was provided by a team comprising Rajeev, Hariharan and Narayanan Nambiar, all former students of Kalamandalam. Kalanilayam Unnikrishnan was on the edaka.