Recreating stories of romance and valour
A. SANGAMESWARAN
|
Naaganandam Koodiyattom was performed at Koodalmanikkam Temple, Irinjalakuda, after 50 years.
|
THE KING AND THE JESTER: Jeemoothavahana and Vidhushaka.
`Naaganandam Koodiyattom,' which was on the verge of extinction, was resurrected and presented by Ammannur Chakyars at Koodalmanikkam Temple, Irinjalakuda, after 50 years.
Although certain sequences from this play had been staged earlier, this recital attempted to cover the whole story.
Written by Harshavardhana, this story narrates the love story of Jeemoothavahana, a Vidhyadhara Prince, and Malayavathi, a Sidha princess. The thread of the story is predominantly sringara, which is complemented by valour.
Owning to a confusion arising from mistaken identity, the hero refuses to marry Malayavathi when her brother approaches Jeemoothavahana with a proposal. As a result, the heroine attempts to commit suicide but fails and eventually the two are united.
The performance, which spanned 11 days, was a treat to viewers as it emphasised both vak and abhinaya. On the first day, Ammannur Rajaneesh, who donned the role of Jeemoothavahana, performed the Purappad and the connected nithyakriya. He also presented nirvahanam, comprising anukramam - presentation of the flashback of the story in reverse order from present to past - and samkshepam, on the second and third day respectively.
Rajaneesh's experience as an actor came to the fore during the elucidation of the story and his picturesque description of flora and fauna captivated the audience. Through his gestures and movements he described the elegance of mountains and the valour of elephants in musth, the sylvan forest embellished with blossoms and bees and the singing and dancing of women.
Vidhushaka's role
From the fourth day to the eighth day, Vidhushaka (Jester), eloquently portrayed by Ammannur Kuttan Chakyar, dominated the show. Imbibed from his uncle and mentor the legendary Ammannur Madhava Chakyar, who had immortalised this role, Kuttan Chakyar's oratory skills, spiced with sarcasm and creativity, guided the audience through the purusharthas - dharma, artha, kama and moksha. To this, he judiciously correlated many a present day event in the socio-political spectrum. His performance peaked on the day of asanam, when he narrated the story continuously for seven hours without any break, his sound showing no signs of strain.
Malayavathi in `Naaganandam Koodiyattom.
On the final day of the Koodiyattom, the vidhushaka handles three languages - pure Sanskrit, unrefined Sanskrit and Malayalam - to express his views.
Koodiyattam was performed on the last three days, with the much-awaited `Ketty Njaalil' (Suicide attempt) being presented on the last day. The play ends with the hero rescuing the heroine from a tragic end. Aparna Nangiar as Malayavathi proved her expertise. Margi Rama chakyar (Mithravasu), Nitya Nangiar and Sreeroopa Nangiar (maid servants) were the other actors.
Kalamandalam Narayanan Nambiar accompanied on the mizhavu and also played an important role with technical inputs for the success of the performance.
The other percussionists were Chandran Nambiar and Kalamandalam Unnikrishnan Nambiar on the mizhavu and Aniyan Marar and Nandakumar on the edakka.
On the final day, Kuttan Chakyar was felicitated with the title `Vageesarathnam' by aficionados.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Friday Review
Bangalore
Chennai and Tamil Nadu
Delhi
Hyderabad
Thiruvananthapuram
