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Book Review
Malayalam
Ancient theatre tradition
H. RAMAKRISHNAN
KATHAKALISWAROOPAM: Mankombu Sivasankara Pillai and Prof. C K Sivarama Pillai; Mathrubhoomi Books, Cherootty Road, Kozhikode-1. Rs. 150.
KATHAKALI, THE classical dance-drama of Kerala, is a unique combination of literature, music, painting, acting and dance. Besides being Kerala’s invaluable gift to global art, it is also the creative blend of India’s cultural traditions.
The present state of this rich, and perhaps one of the oldest theatre forms in the world is hardly safe and sound. The surging force of modernity, which rejects anything ancient, has succeeded in alienating the common man from this time-honoured art form.
This well-structured book is the latest contribution to the growing volumes on Kathakali. The authors, who are incidentally brothers, seek to examine and evaluate this artistic tradition in the backdrop of India’s enviable heritage. The work studies how the grammar books ranging from Bharathamuni’s Natya Sastra to the Balaramabharatham of Karthika Thirunal have given it an Indian shape and structure.
Of the two, the elder Mankombu Sivasankara Pillai started performing when he was hardly 13 and from then on, it has been total dedication to the art. He went through “Gurukulavasa”, as a disciple of Guru Chengannoor. The younger brother is primarily an educationist, who has more than an ordinary interest in dance forms.
The work demonstrates impressively that India can be verily proud of this art form which has a long, profound and splendid history. The only improvement the publishers should consider for a second edition is to add appropriate pictures and illustrations.
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