Angada’s mission to Lanka

A Kathakali recital of Radha Madhavan’s Angadadoothu, which premièred in Kozhikode, narrates the tricky mission of Bali’s brave son

A scene during a Kathakali performance of Radha Madhavan’s Angadadoothu

Angadadoothu , a Kathakali play penned by Radha Madhavan and choreographed by Kalamandalam Sajan, was premièred in Kozhikode. Based on the Ramayana, the play narrates the story of Angada, the son of mighty monkey-king Bali who meets Ravana as the messenger of Lord Rama at Ravana’s court before the battle between them.

The play begins with Ravana’s ‘Thiranottam’, followed by the entry of his sister, Shoorpanakha, who informs him that a monkey named Angada would soon be arriving as the messenger of Rama. Shoorpanakha requests Ravana to put Angada to the sword and he agrees. Ravana’s wife, Mandodari, warns him against the move but in vain.

In the second scene, Angada is shown preparing for his historical meeting with the Lord of Lanka, with the scene depicting a short but engaging manodharma by the character. The third and final scene begins with Angada’s startling entry before Ravana, who orders Prahastha, his orderly, to throw the visitor out. However, with his bold and powerful nature, Angada beats Prahastha. In the process, Ravana is kicked by Angada and the king’s crown is knocked off, prompting his exit.

Although Sajan’s approach never transgressed the framework of conventional Kathakali style, it adapted apt use of contemporary techniques. A key attraction was the make-up and costume that Sajan had designed for a new character like Angada.

The role of Angada was donned by Kalamandalam Manoj. His movements and expressions were eye-catching just as his improvisations and quick reactions. Ravana’s role was seamlessly essayed by Kottakkal Kesavan Kundalayar. Induja Cherooliyil and Kalamandalam Shibi Chakrovarthy, competently enacted the roles of Mandodari and Shoorpanakha respectively.

The music for the play was composed by Manoj Pulloor. Sadanam Sivadas and Sarang Pullore rendered the lyrics and Kalamandalam Balasundar and Kalamandalam Venu supported the artistes on the chenda and the maddalam respectively.

The programme was jointly organised by Surya Sopanam and Samakalika Sangeetham.