Dance O.N.V. Kurup’s ‘Ujjaini’ was presented as a dance drama by Kalamandalam Leelamma.
Visually rich: Kalamandalam Leelamma used simple mudras and adavus to recreate the poem.
A confluence of enriching emotions and simple but effective techniques marked the presentation of ‘Ujjaini,’ a short dance drama by senior Mohiniyattom performer and teacher Kalamandalam Leelamma and her troupe. The event was organised in connection with the award distribution ceremony of Kalamandalam fellowships at Vyloppilly Samskriti Bhavan.
Kalidasa’s dilemma
The production, based on the famous poem ‘Ujjaini’ by O.N.V. Kurup, depicted a dilemma in the life of Kalidasa. Select parts of the poem were used in the composition to narrate the story. Leelamma used simple mudras and adavus to recreate the poem visually. Credit goes to Kilimanoor Madhu for creating the right script for the dance.
The story, opens with a scene on the banks of a river in Malava. A young woman Malavika shares her worries, anxieties and dreams with the serenely flowing river, which she considers as her mother. Ordered to marry the King of Ujjaini, her heart longs for Kalidasa. Her story, which was turned into a play ‘Malavikagnimitram,’ leaves Kalidasa disturbed.
Leelamma’s interpretation of the emotions of the young woman was charming. Leelamma’s troupe members Krishnapriya, Anitha Potty, Akshara, Nikhila, Jayasree Harikrishanan, Rajitha and Soumya, all from Kalamandalam, proved to be worthy disciples of their guru.
The production was interesting, thanks to the short but clear storyline and professional approach of Leelamma.
The troupe was accompanied by a team of competent musicians. Nattuvangam was by Kavitha Krishnakumar and vocal music by Thrissur Rajiv Kumar.
Kalamnadalam Shivadas on the mridangam, Thrissur Krishna Kumar on the edakka, Thrissur Murali Krishnan on the veena and Thrissur Murali Narayanan on the flute contributed to the aesthetics of the programme.
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