Revival of an artistic tradition
VINU VASUDEVAN
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After 30 years, a Nangiarkoothu performance was held at Sri Krishnaswamy Temple at Ambalappuzha.
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CENTRESTAGE: Sarojini Nangiaramma performing on the premises of the temple after 30 years.
The Srikrishna Swami Temple at Ambalappuzha witnessed a historic event recently. After 30 years, a 12-day-long Nangiarkoothu performance was held on the precincts of the temple.
Once Koodiyattom and Nangiarkoothu performances were held regularly as part of the rituals of the temples. `Srikrishnacharitam' used to be staged every year on the day before Ashtami Rohini, celebrated as the birthday of Lord Krishna. The tradition, however, was discontinued on account of the declining popularity of Koodiyattom.
Margi, Ministry of Culture, UNESCO, the temple advisory and Sandarsan Kathakali Kendra took the initiative to reviveNangiarkoothu. The festival aimed at showcasing the traditional abbreviated performance of Nangiarkoothu (`Adiyanthirakoothu') along with the detailed performance format (`Kazhchakoothu').
The Nangiarkoothu performances of yore at certain temples were abridged versions of popular texts .At Ambalapuzha, it used to be performed only by Nangiars of Edanadu family. During this fete, the Nangiarkoothu performers did not come from any one particular community and the performances were not always abridged.
Two veterans
Two veterans Sarojini Nangiaramma and Thankam Nangiaramma, who were the last two artistes to perform on the temple premises, were honoured. The festival featured different episodes of Sri Krishna's story, from `Avataram' to `Subhadrapaharanam.'
The event saw a dozen artistes from various parts of Kerala participating.
Sarojini Nangiaramma and Thankam Nagiaramma marked the start of the festival with `Kalpalathika Purappad.' Margi Sathi was outstanding in `Srikrishnaleela' and `Subhadrapaharanam.'
Veteran artistes Kalamandalam Giriji and Kalamandalam Shylaja showcased their talent and experience with `Kaliyamardhanam' and `Vrindavanavarnana' respectively while `Gopasthreevasthrapaharanam' and `Kamsavadham' had Margi Usha displaying her skill.
The event also gave newcomers a chance to perform. Kalamandalam Prasanna and Kalamandalam Krishnendu neatly performed their roles in `Vrindavanagamanam' and `Poothanamoksham' while Aparna Nangiar showed her abhinaya with `Akruragamanam.' Indu G and Kalamandalam Sindhu enacted `Govardhanodharanam' and `Jarasandhayudham.'
Percussion was led by P.K. Narayanan Nambiar. Kalamandalam Unnikrishnan Nambiar, K.P. Narayanan Nambiar, Margi Ramanunni, P.K Hareesh Nambiar and Dhanarajan were the artistes on the mizhavu. Margi Venugopal and Kalamandalam Sreekanth were on the edakka and Margi Mohanan on the thimila.
A commentary on the attoms performed on stage helped those unfamiliar with the art understand what was depicted. A large audience augurs well for Nangiarkoothu.
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