Reinventing a classic
VINU VASUDEVAN
|
An abridged version of `Paundrakavadhom' was skilfully choreographed by Vasu Pisharodi.
|
ROMANCE : A scene from `Paundrakavadhom.'
`Paundrakavadhom' an attakatha penned by Aswathy Tirunal in the 17th century was staged at Sreekrishna Swamy Temple Nadakasala at Ambalappuzha recently.
Aswathy Tirunal had written the three popular attakathas - `Poothanamoksham', `Rugmini Swayamvaram' and `Ambareesha Charitham.'
`Paundrakavadhom' was staged decades before as part of the annual festival in Sreepadmanabha Swamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram.
From the `Bhagavatham'
The story of this attakatha was adapted from the `Bhagavatham' (the story of Lord Krishna). The other attakathas were also adapted from the `Bhagavatha.'
The Kathakali recital at Ambalappuzha was choreographed by veteran Kathakali artiste Kalamandalam Vasu Pisharodi. He also donned the lead role of Balarama. This performance was held under a project sanctioned by the Department of Culture, Government of India.
The four-hour play depicts the story of Balarama's and Krishna's battle against king Paundraka Vasudeva.
The play begins on a romantic note and shows Balarama in the company of his two wives. It is quite rare to see a `Pathinjapadham' (slow sequence) for Balarama.
Vasu Pisharodi's vast experience as an artiste and teacher helped in making the play an interesting one. His experience as teacher and actor came good to make the recital an interesting one.
The highlights of the performance were the first scene and another scene depicting Lord Krishna travelling on Garuda. With the help of a simple gesture, the artiste was able to convey the feeling of flight. Pathiyoor Sankarankutty composed the music.
The various mood and emotions were superbly captured in his music. Sankarabharam, Padi, Kedaragoudam, Ahari, Kamodari and Madhyamavati were the main ragas used for this play. The equal balance of bhava and thala polished the literature. Kalamandalam Sanmughan who handled the role of Lord Krishna, proved his mettle with his controlled acting. Kalamandalam Srikanth and Kalanilayam Manoj were the percussionists.
It was quite an admirable effort by the organisers and artistes to enact an old attakatha in an abridged version without losing the flavour of the story.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Entertainment
Bangalore
Chennai and Tamil Nadu
Delhi
Hyderabad
Thiruvananthapuram
