Eloquent mudras to the fore
VINU VASUDEVAN
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An Ottan Thullal performance narrated the story of `Rukmini Swayamvaram.'
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PHOTO S. MAHINSHA
IMPROMPTU CREATIVITY: Chandran Nair, the raconteur, occupies centre stage in an Ottan Thullal performance.
Art lovers of Thiruvananthapuram were treated to an Ottan Thullal performance by Vishwakala Kendram Chandran Nair and party. It has become an art form that is almost fading from temple festivals. The programme was organised as part of the monthly programme by Vyloppilli Samskriti Bhavan.
Thullall is divided into three categories: Ottan Thullal, Seethankam and Oarayan Thullal. The unique feature about Thullal is its style of narration. The story is narrated with the support of percussion.
Love story
The troupe performed `Rugmini Swayamvaram.' The story goes thus: Rugmini is in love with Lord Krishna. However her father decides to give her hand in marriage to Sisupala, the King of Chedi. Hearing this, she sends her trusted messenger to Krishna and the story ends with Krishna marrying her.
An art form, which enables the artiste to showcase his talent, Chandran Nair handled the mudras and padhams beautifully. His kalashams and bhavas enthralled the audience. The ninety-minute performance was balanced with music and dance. The success of an Ottan Thullal performance depends on the performer's ability to link the story to contemporary issues, incidents and people. A liberal dose of satire and humour make it an entertaining session for the viewers. The performer's extempore remarks and satire-laced comments add to the punch of the show.
Chandran Nair did make an attempt to do lend a contemporary touch by highlighting Rukmini's father's dream of an ideal husband for his daughter. However, the time factor and sparse audience seem to have limited his space for such impromptu creativity.
Vatiyoorkavu Muraleedhran handled the mridangam and Reghunadh was on the harmonium. Music was rendered by Rajasekaran and Unni.
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