Test of skills
A. SANGAMESWARAN
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Senior artistes enacted the latter half of `Kirmeeravadham' at a performance organised by Dr. K.N. Pisharody Memorial Kathakali Club.
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VERSATILE DUO: Sadanam Krishnankutty donned the role of Lalitha
Kottayam attakathas occupy a cardinal position in Kathakali . The grandeur of slokas, their literary quality, proper correlation between the slokas and their ragas, musical brilliance as well as the inclusion of all the essential basics of Kathakali make these plays important not only on the stage but also for academics.
Each and every character in these plays tests the skill and performing ability of an artiste. Connoisseurs of Kathakali often judge an artiste on the basis of his ability to handle the major roles in these plays.
Dr. K.N. Pisharody Memorial Kathakali Club, Irinjalakuda, organised `Kirmeeravadham,' one of the Kottayam plays, as part of their monthly programme.
While Nelliyode Vasudevan Namboodiri appeared as Simhika.
From the Mahabharatha
This story is from the Vanaparva of the Mahabharatha. While the first half of the play was staged last month, the latter half begins with Simhika, Kirmeera's sister, dancing and playing. It is then that she hears the news of the death of her husband, Sardhoola, at the hands of Arjuna. Seeking revenge, she disguises herself as Lalitha and makes a futile attempt to kidnap Panchali. Sahadeva comes to Panchali's rescue and mutilates Simhika. Moved by his sister's plight, Kirmeera wages battle with the Pandavas, only to be killed at the hands of Bheema.
Veteran Nelliyode Vasudevan Namboodiri as Simhika performed his role with ιlan especially the Lokadarmi parts. Sadanam Krishnankutty, who generally dons male characters, played Lalitha, thus proving his versatility. Vazhenkada Vijayan (Kirmeera) and Unnikrishnan (Bheema) were the other performers. Kalamandalam Rajendran and Jayaprakash sang beautifully, especially the padams in ragas Yadukulakamboji and Puraneeru.
Kalanilayam Kunjunni and Rajan on the chenda and Harinarayanan and Sankaranunni on the maddhalam were the accompanying percussionists.
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