When Sujatha Vijayaragavan of Natyrangam came across a mention of Thirumayilai Kuravanji in a Tamil magazine story, she started looking for a copy. Her mission has been accomplished after several years of search. ‘Thirumayilai Kuravanji’ has now been choreographed into a dance-drama by the ‘Parashaha’ group of senior artistes Priya Murle, Roja Kannan, Srikanth and Ashwathi Srikanth and was premiered under the auspices of Natyarangam.
While the book mentions the ragas for the songs, their notations are not available. Veteran musician Suguna Varadachari has set the stanzas to tune, using the same ragas but has introduced a lot of swara segments resulting in vibrant, cheerful compositions. The Jatis give ample scope for lively ‘nritta.’ Both the seniors and their young disciples came out with flying colours in these segments. Perhaps the limited lyrics needed the introduction of swaras and sollus to make the Kuravanji more appealing. Music, therefore, plays a major role in the success of the dance-drama.
The story is that of princess Karpagavalli falling in love with Lord Kapali of Mayilai after seeing Him in a procession; when she is pining for His love, her friend brings a Kurathi for predicting her future. Karpagavalli is delighted to hear from the Kuravanji that the Lord would come for her. The ‘abhinaya’ of both Priya as the princess and Roja as Kurathi was enlivening, in particular Priya’s bashful looks and Roja’s teasing expressions.
Chennai, 02/11/2018 : "Mylai Kuravanji" a dance drama held in Chennai. Photo : Special Arrangement
Srikanth as Kattiyakaran filled the comedian’s role which helped hold the viwers’ interest. He returned as Nandi also. As part of the celebrations prior to the divine wedding, there was a delightful ‘pinnal kolattam’ by the princess along with her friends. The tillana by the younger dancers too was lively.
Vocal support was by Parur M.S. Ananthasri and Sivasri, both disciples of Roja.
The duo, who hail from musical families, have also tuned the ‘vrittam’ lilke portions. Nattuvangam, voice over and compering were by Sasirekha Balasubramaniam. The orchestra had mridangam by Nagai Sriram, veena by Mudicondan Ramesh and flute by Anirudh Bharadwaj.
