Many plays in Kathakali have been adapted from the Mahabharatha. Arjuna Vishadavrutham, written by Vaikom Rajasekharan, is a latter-day play, which was premiered in 1983 at Vaikkom Mahadeva Temple. The play focusses on Jayadradha, husband of Dussala, the only sister of the Kauravas. A recital of this play was held at MD Ramanathan Memorial Hall, Palakkad.
Arjuna Vishadavrutham describes the defeat of Jayadradha at the hands of Arjuna during the battle of Kurukshetra. Divided into eight scenes, the play was staged over more than four hours.
Intense character
The playwright has imbued Jayadradha’s character with valour (veeram) and romance (sringaram). The play begins with Jayadradha's entry into his palace after he was tonsured by the Pandavas for misbehaving with Draupadi. He manages to placate an upset and angry Dussala.
During the battle of Kurukshetra, he takes his revenge by killing Abhimanyu, Arjuna’s son. The Pandava warrior kills him in retaliation. The play then shifts to a scene years after the battle when Arjuna meets Dussala, who pleads with him to stop the culture of violence. A remorseful Arjuna promises her to end the culture of wars and the play ends with the message to end all wars.
Kottakkal PSV Natyasangham Kathakali troupe performed the play. Kottakkal A Unnikrishnan enacted the role of Jayadradha. Though it was his first stage in that role, Unnikrishnan came up with a memorable act.
Kottakkal Rajumohan made an impact in the role of Dussala. His improvisations were noteworthy. However, some melodrama towards the end of the play could have been avoided. Kottakkal Sudheer enacted Arjuna. He was the pick of that evening. Kottakkal CM Unnikrishnan enacted the role of Sreekrishna.
The background music was excellent. Vocalist Kottakkal Madhu was at his best. The padams ‘Sundara soonangalum..’ in Natta and ‘Sarada rajani Varunnu Theril..’ in Arabhi were memorable. Kottakkal Santhosh and Kottakkal Vineesh supported him. Kottakkal Prasad and Kottakal Vijayaraghavan (chenda) and Kottakkal Ravi and Kotakkal radhakrishnan (maddalam) supported the artistes.
The play was organised by Palakkad Kathakali Trust.
