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Poignant portrayal

JAYA NARAYANAN PISHAROTY

‘Lavansuravadham’ was a treat for students as it served as an introduction to Kathakali.

Expressive: Hanuman’s meeting with Sita, Lava and Kusha is one of the captivating scenes of ‘Lavansuravadham.’

Lavansuravadham,’ penned by Palakkad Amrithashastrikal, was staged at Hari Sri Vidya Nidhi School Auditorium, Thrissur, recently. Students were invited to watch the process of make-up of Kathakali artistes.

The performance began with the ‘purappadu,’ which was presented as a ‘cholliyattom.’

Kalamandalam Neeraj and Aravind exhibited grace and a good sense of rhythm. With their lithe movements and expressive faces, they hold a promising future.

The scene between Lava and Kusha and their mother, Sita, had an air of domesticity about it. Kalamandalam Pradeep and Harinarayanan were brilliant in their portrayal of the twins. Their vigorous and accurate footwork conveyed the energy and bravura of the youngsters.

The encounter between Shatrughnan (Kalamandalam Suchindran Kartha) and the twins dragged a bit because the movements were repetitive.

Hanuman’s ‘thiranotam’ was impressive. Sadanam Bhasi, who played Hanuman, is a disciple of Keezhpadam Kumaran Nair who brought in touches of poetry into his style. This influence was visible in Bhasi’s ‘manodharma.’ Lava and Kusha try to impress Hanuman by shooting arrows into the mud.

Hanuman displays the damp earth and interprets it as tears of Mother Earth, joyful and proud of her grandsons’ prowess. This was an imaginative touch introduced by Kumaran Nair. After all, Sita is considered the daughter of the Earth.

Bhasi’s rendition of the famous libretto ‘Sukhamo Devi’ did not live up to the expectations of the audience. But excellent singing by Palnad Divakaran Namboodiri and Athipatta Ravindran Namboodiri added quality to the performance. Kalamandalam Balasundaran and Kalamandalam Rajnarayanan gave able support on the chenda and the maddalam.

The three-hour performance was a treat for the youngsters as it served as an introduction to this majestic art form.

The play was organised by Kathakali Club, Thrissur, and Thalam, a cultural organisation.

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