Power play

Dronacharitham, which premièred at Chalakkudy, Thrissur, was marked by impressive performances

Peesappalli Rajeevan as Drona and Kalamandalam Manoj as Arjuna

Mahabharata has inspired many Kathakali playwrights such as Kottayathu Thampuran, Irayimman Thampi and Mali Madhavan Nair. Dronacharitham, based on the story of Drona, the venerable teacher of the Pandavas and the Kauravas, written and choreographed by Kottakkal Pradeep, a Kathakali artiste with PSV Natyasanghom, Kottakkal, was premièred recently at Meloor, near Chalakkudy.

Drona is humiliated by his friend Panchala (Dhrupada), father of Panchali (Draupadi) and the ruler of Panchala, when he goes to meet him in his palace. On his return home, he meets the young Pandavas and the Kauravas and is eventually appointed as their guru. Running parallel to this story is the tale of Ekalavya, a tribal prince, who requests Drona to teach him as well. When Drona refuses, Ekalavya makes a mud statue of Drona and trains in front of his figure. However, when Drona realises that Ekalavya is a threat to his favourite disciple, Arjuna, he asks the former to cut off his thumb as guru dakshina. Drona also asks Arjuna to defeat Panchala as gurudakshina.

It would have been better if the playwright had focussed on the story of Drona. By bringing in the tale of Ekalavya as well, the whole presentation had nine scenes, running to five hours of play time. Choreography was rather weak, perhaps due to insufficient planning and execution. The play would have had a punch if some of the scenes were edited.

Nevertheless, the artistes came good in their performances. Peesappalli Rajeevan, Kalamandalam Manoj and Kalamandalam Neeraj essayed the roles of Drona, Arjuna and Panchala, respectively.

Evocative acting

Rajeevan was at ease on stage and his reactions in the scene where Drona meets Panchala was a brilliant example of lokadharmi style of acting. The manodharma attam that followed, which portrayed his grief, showcased his skill as an artiste.

Manoj, in the role of Arjuna, was at his best in the scene when he meets Ekalavya in the forest. His spontaneous reaction and subtle expressions were the highlights of the play. Neeraj impressed with his appearance and vigorous roars in the Thiranottam. His encounter with Arjuna was power packed. Kalamandalam Shibi Chakravarthy, who essayed Ekalavya, was the pick of the lot. The young artiste enthralled the audience with his body language and acting.

Vocalist Kottakkal Madhu, who was also the lyricist of the play, stuck to commonly used ragas such as Kamboji, Saveri, Bhairavi, Madhyamavathi and Shanmughapriya.

The performance was jointly organised by Department of Culture, Government of India, and Chalakkudy Nambeessan Memorial Kathakali Club.