Window to Kerala's heritage
P. K. AJITH KUMAR
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`Sarga Keralam' aimed at encapsulating the cultural heritage of Kerala in a two-hour show that included dance, music and poetry.
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Photo: S. Ramesh Kurup
POETRY IN MOTION: Mohiniyattom dancers swayed to Changampuzha's lines from `Kavya Narthaki.'
It is not an easy task to showcase the rich and varied cultural heritage of Kerala in a two-hour programme. `Sarga Keralam,' directed by Kanakadas, attempted to do that and if the packed audience's reaction could be taken as an indicator, the 50 artistes of Malayalam Theatrical Heritage and Arts (Matha), have more than one reason to celebrate.
The Permabra-based Matha's show at Providence College, Kozhikode, was not flawless but it was a brave attempt at encapsulating the cultural history of the State.
The programme opened with nine Mohiniyattom dancers swaying to Changampuzha's immortal lines from `Kavya Narthaki' - `Kanaka chilanka kilungi kilungi... '
The dramatisation of Edasssery's poem, `Poothappattu,' was one of the highlights of the programme.
Memorable experience
Fine acting by Babitha Sasi as Nangeli and Lishna as Pootham and good singing by Manjula, Risheendra Mani, Molly, Babitha Sasi, Prakash and Surendran, who was also the music director of the show, made it a memorable experience.
G. Sankara Kurup's poem, `Perunthachan' was well enacted by Santhosh Kodassery, who donned the title role, and Subhash.
Choreographer Rajani Palakkal fused the vivacity of folk dance with the grace and classicism of Mohiniyattom and Bharatanatyam to enact Kavalam's `Mazha.'
Vapina excelled as Radha in Cherusseri's `Krishnagatha.' While poetry was well presented, the same, however, could not be said about the entire show.
Presenting a minukku vesham and pacha vesham together on the stage for a couple of minutes did not do justice to Kathakali. The sequence dealing with the dances of Kerala was in need of some fine-tuning. Theyyam, Margam Kali, Kalari Payattu and Vallam Kali were also presented briefly.
There was a bit of history too, with Pazhassi Raja and Kunjali Marakkar gracing the stage for a few minutes. The lyrics for the show were written by P.K. Gopi.
The next show will be in New Delhi on November 25, to be presented on behalf of the Kerala Government. In March next year, there will be a show in London too.
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