Gifts of narration, acting and singing were on full display as young Kathaprasangam artistes presented stories of social relevance in front of a enraptured audience at the Kerala State School Arts Festival on its second day on Tuesday.
Kathaprasangam competition for higher secondary school (HSS) category was nearly late when the curtain rose on the programme at the Police Auditorium here at around 7 p.m. The audience that reached the hall to enjoy Kathaprasangam presentation remained glued to the dramatic delivery of story-telling, performance and singing to the accompaniment of musical instruments played by supporting artistes.
Most of the presentations drew the audience’s attention because of contemporary social issues the participants presented.
Abhirami K.B. of St. Terasa’s HSS, Ernakulam, in her narration of the story of social reformer and writer V.T. Bhattathiripad, highlighted the issue of women empowerment and women’s rights to equality and freedom. References to V.T’s play ‘Adukkalayil ninnu arangathekku’ and to the story of Kuriyedath Thathri brought to the fore the focus of gender justice that she said she wanted to highlight.
Dhanasree V.B. of Kunhimangalam Government HSS, Kannur, in her Kathaprasangam performance told the story of Lord Krishna as depicted in poet Prabha Varma’s collection of poems ‘Shyama Madhavam.’
The ‘Kadhika’ concluded her presentation with a wish for the coming of Krishna to save the world from the present problems including degradation of nature and violence against women.
Nisniya C.P. Of MES HSS, Irimpilayam, Malappuram, also gave a gender justice touch to it by telling the story of Annapurna Devi, Hindustani classical musical player, who had been former wife of late sitar maestro Ravi Shankar.
