The Crucifixion in Kathakali form

‘Divya Karunya Charitham,’ a Kathakali adaptation of the biblical story culminating in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, was performed at the Chavara Cultural Centre hall here on Sunday under the aegis of the Navarasam charitable trust.

The play scripted by Radha Madhavan, based on a poem by Fr. Jose Chencheriyil, was directed by Kalamandalam Sajan.

The plot captures the drama surrounding the crucifixion of Christ and the role of Pilatus and Judas in it, in five acts.

The first shows Pilatus being told by his wife not to crucify Christ and his refusal. In the second, the spies come back to Pilatus carrying the news of miracles by Christ. In the third, Pilatus tempts Judas with 30 silver coins. The fourth act shows the selflessness of Christ during the last supper. The last act is the one of betrayal, crucifixion, and resurrection.

Kottakkal Kesavan Kundalayar played Pilatus while Sadanam Sadanandan played his wife. Director Kalamandalam Sajan doubled as Judas while Kalamandalam Ebin Babu played Christ. R.L.V. Pramod played the role of a spy. The music was by Manoj Pulloor, sung by Kottakkal Madhu, and Nedumpalli Rammohan.

‘Divya Karunya Charitham’ was first performed in Ernakulam in 2011, and later, all over India.