Dramatic venture
G.S. PAUL
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Ammannur Chachu Chakyar Smaraka Gurukulam staged `Abhishekankam,' the last act of Bhasa's `Abhisheka Nataka.'
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Ammannur Chachu Chakyar Smaraka Gurukulam, Irinjalakuda, had embarked on a project to stage all the plays of Bhasa.
THE DENOUEMENT: The installation ceremony is the highlight of `Abhishekankam.'
`Abhishekankam,' the seventh and the last act of Bhasa's `Abhisheka Nataka,' was staged at Natanakairali Auditorium recently. The mainstay for Koodiyattom productions has been Bhasa's works. Ammannur Chachu Chakyar Smaraka Gurukulam, Irinjalakuda, had embarked on a project to present all the plays. The common acts of `Abhisheka Nataka' such as `Balivadham' and `Toranayudhham,' `Samudhratharanam,' `Hanumaddoothu,' `Mayasirshankam' and `Prathamadwithiyankam' had been enacted earlier. The six-hour performance of `Abhishekankam,' held on two consecutive days, marked the completion of the project.
According to Ammannur Kuttan Chakyar, who directed the play, scripting the `attaprakaram' (acting manual) was easy as the `kramadeepika' (production manual), which was there in the archives of the Ammannur family, had detailed descriptions about the presentation.
`Nirvahanam' of Sri Rama
Abhishekankam opens with `nirvahanam' (pre-story recital) of Sri Rama, which gives a detailed account of the prolonged war culminating in Ravana's death.
The feat concludes with Rama's journey to Lanka to rescue Sita. Eventually, the play depicts Sita's `agnipravesha.' Lakshmana is overcome with joy when Sita is untouched by the fire and he rushes to Rama.
The second day's performance starts with Hanuman's enchantment over Sita's gesture. Later, under Agni's supervision, the coronation ceremony of Rama takes place. Thereafter Rama and his entourage leave for Ayodhya.
The seventh act is noteworthy for quite a few novel characters, their aaharya and gestures.
In the first part, `Ascharya Lakshmana' steals the show as his face registers his amazement when Sita is unhurt by the fire. He becomes the embodiment of wonder. Petals of chrysanthemum stick to his face and he wears a colourful costume.
Ammannur Rajaneesh neatly executed this role. Agni turns a character (`pazhukka') in the second part. Kuttan Chakyar himself portrayed it.
Perhaps the highlight of the play is the installation ceremony. It is a treat to the eye as all the characters parade in this scene that serves as the denouement.
The play concludes with the traditional feats of `Bharata vaaakyam' (the coda) and the `mudiyakkiththa.'
The play will have to be edited to reduce the duration of the play. Only then can it be staged for the public outside the koothampalams.
The actors were Suraj Nambiar, Pothiyil Ranjith Chakyar, Harikrishnan and Aparna Nangiar.
An added attraction was exquisite percussion support provided by Kalamandalam Rajiv, Kalamandalam Hariharan, Kalamandalam Narayanan Nambiar and Kalanilayam Unnikrishnan.
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