Madhavi's salvation

Kalamandalam Girija adapted the story of Madhavi in Nangiarkoothu.

Kalamandalam Girija.

Rasikas in Thiruvananthapuram were treated to an innovative presentation of Nangiarkoothu by Kalamandalam Girija.

The recital, titled ‘Madhavi,' held at Thirthapaadamandapam, was sponsored by Thiruvananthapuram Centre of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations.

From the Mahabharatha

The episode she chose was excerpted from the Mahabharata. It was the tale of Madhavi, the beautiful daughter of Yayaati and Sarmistha.

Believing that she portends misfortune, Yayaati gives her away as alms to Galava, a mendicant. Galava uses her as a commodity for sale to acquire 800 horses.

After he reaches his goal, he returns her to her father. Yayaati organises a swayamvaram for Madhavi. Madhavi, however, snubs her father, throws away the wedding garland and leaves for the forest to lead an austere life.

‘Madhavi' is an innovative addition to the repertoire of Nangiarkoothu, which was originally restricted to depicting the story of Krishna.

Girija's choreography and action on the stage were in perfect harmony with the tenets of Nangiarkoothu.

The Kalamandalam style of ensuring the best in all the three aspects of acting, namely aamgika , saatvika and aahaarya, were manifest throughout her performance.