Homage to a maestro
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A three-day programme was held to pay tributes to Kanna Peruvannan.
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Keeping alive a tradition.
IT WAS a grant tribute to the ace Theyyam artist Kanna Peruvannan, who passed away recently. The three-day tribute was jointly organized by the Thrikkaripur-based Folkland and Vyloppilli Samskrithi Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram. The programmes include a photo exhibition on the Peruvannan, Kathakali and Theyyam performances, and the screening of a documentary film on the maestro.
Kanna Peruvannan's debut as `Kathivannoor Veeran' at the age of 14 marked the beginning of a long and illustrious career that helped in transforming the ritualistic practice of Theyyam into a popular art form. He was awarded the title of `Peruvannan' by the Kolathiri king at the age of 26. The photo exhibition captured the life and some of the performances of this consummate artiste.
Memorable occassion
A flawless Kathakali performance by Kalatharingini, a group from Cheruthuruthy, made it a memorable occasion. Two Italian artistes, Alexandra and Beppe Keri Ketti, played the lead roles of Krishna and Duryodhana in `Duryodhanavadham.' Their performance was praiseworthy, especially the performance of Beppe whose mudras and kalasams were as good as any performing artiste from Kerala. Both had their training under Kalamandalam John who heads the troupe.
The second day witnessed a rare Theyyam performance by artistes from Folkland. Madhusoodanan donned the character of Kathivannoor Veeran. It was a rare chance for people in the capital city to experience the art form, which tried to remain as true as possible to the traditional way.
On the concluding day, a documentary on Kanna Peruvannan, called `Devanarthakan' was screened. It was a fine way to pay homage to one of the greatest artistes of Kerala. However, better planning and more publicity would have attracted more people to the venue where the programmes were organised.
An annual function in the capital city to mark the death anniversary of Kanna Peruvannan may be a fitting way to pay tributes to him.
VINU VASUDEVAN
Photo: C. Ratheesh Kumar
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