A three-day ‘Koodiyattam Shilpashala’ at Changampuzha Park, Edappally featured eminent Nangiarkoothu and Koodiyattam artistes.
V.K.K. Hariharan, Kalamandalam Rajeev and A.N. Hariharan captivated the audience with a Mizhavil Thayambaka on the first day.
Usha Nangiar’s Nangiarkoothu recital on the second day showcased the artiste’s acting prowess as she breathed life into Draupadi during the staging of ‘Dyootasabha’. Her portrayal of Duryodhana and his many follies as he visits the Pandava kingdom won her the appreciation of the audience. Draupadi is humiliated and she curses the Kaurava princes. From rage to sorrow, there is a sudden shift of expression to scorn.
The highlight of the performance was the game of dice, when Usha portrayed characters such as of Yudhishtira, Duryodhana and Shakuni with marked variations. As Koodiyattam gives a word by word account of incidents through mudras, Usha’s elaboration was detailed, graphic and comprehensible.
Cholliyattam by Sooraj Nambiar on the first day showcased the immense possibilities of mukhabhinaya. Through intricate eye and hand movements, he portrayed forests, oceans and mountains.
Rajneesh Chakyar’s cholliyattam portrayed the arrogance of Ravana in veeratharkan swara, as he manifests his anger. As Ravana tries to lift Kailasa mountain, the strain of the task and then the anguish when his hands are trapped under the mountain were depicted admirably.
Pothiyil Ranjith Chakyar’s cholliyattam showcased Ravana’s valiant fight with the Diggaja, the four elephants that guard the four directions.
‘Jatayuvadham’, which was staged on the final day, is the fourth act in Shaktibhadra’s play ‘Ascharyachoodamani’. It is unique as it imparts equal importance to both dance and performance in the character sketch of the chivalrous bird Jatayu. Kalamandalam Rama Chakyar was the highlight of the play as he fleshed out the character of Jatayu through magnificent movements during the entry, which was performed in Lakshmi tala.
Sivan Nambudiri, Kalamandalam Kanaka Kumar and Kalamandalam Vijitha essayed the roles of Ravana, Sootha and Seetha respectively.
The event was organised by Changampuzha Samskarika Kendram, Changampuzha Smaraka Granthasala, Natyashastra and Chathakudam Krishnan Nambiar Mizhavu Kalari.