Expressions of experience
VINU VASUDEVAN
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Nangiarkoothu exponent Margi Sathi and Koodiyattom performer Kalamandalam Rama Chakyar showcased their proficiency by enacting Sita and Ravana respectively.
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`Sreeramacharitham' and `Thoranayudhangam' were the pieces played.
STYLISED ACTING: Margi Sathi performed `Sitaswayamvaram.'
Margi conducted a two-day Nangiarkoothu and Koodiyattom performance as part of their monthly training programme for artistes in the capital city. The performance was organised under a project formulated by the Sangeeth Nataka Akademi for the promotion of classical art forms. `Sreeramacharitham' and `Thoranayudhangam' were the pieces chosen for the performance. Well-known artistes such as Margi Sathi and Kalamandalam Rama Chakyar were the main performers.
Margi Sathi, who is now working in Kerala Kalamandalam as a faculty member for Koodiyattam, presented `Sitaswayamvaram' from `Sreeramacharitham Nangiarkoothu,' which was choreographed by her.
New performance manual
Sathi had made a new performance manual and script for the story of Rama in 1999 and staged it several times. She skilfully narrated the story of Rama breaking the `Thrayambaka' and Sita's wedding. She began her performance by showing Rama and Lakshmana's journey to Janaka's kingdom to see the Thrayambakam. Then, with the help of some well-chosen manodharma atoms, she enacted how Rama breaks the bow.
The one-and-a-half hour performance seamlessly merged histrionics and movement to narrate the story.
`Thoranayudhangam Koodiyattom' was the highlight of the second evening. Master performer Kalamandalam Rama Chakyar enacted Ravana by depicting the king's majestic presence. The play began with the entry of Sankukarna and Vijaya - servant and maid of Ravana. They talk about Ravana's plan to meet Sita. This portion was taken from Bhasas' `Abhishekanatakam' text. In the next scene, Ravana's dramatic entry on the stage was accentuated with the help of torches. Stylised acting and perfection in technique are a necessity to enact Ravana and Rama Chakyar rose to the occasion.His facial expressions and exaggerated body language breathed life into his character.
Margi Sajeev Narayana Chakyar, who appeared as Sankukarna, ably played his part as the fear stricken servant. Margi Usha enacted Vijaya.
Kalamandalam Unnikrishnan Nambiar, Margi Ramanunni, P.K. Hareesh Nambiar and Kalamandalam Dhanarajan played the mizhavu.
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