Masters at work
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It was a treat to watch Kalamandalam Gopi and Kottakkal Sivaraman enact Nala and Damayanti. T. K. SADASIVAN
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Right combination: Kalamandalam Gopi and Kottakkal Sivaraman have immortalised their portrayal of Nala and Damayanti.
The story is the same. So are the script, the sequences, the characters and the lead performers. Yet, Kathakali fans throng to watch Kalamandalam Gopi and Kottakkal Sivaraman, whenever they perform together as Nala and Damayanti. Kerala Fine Arts Hal
l, Ernakulam, was packed with fans to watch the celebrated duo perform together, after six months, as Nala and Damayanti in ‘Nalacharitham – Nalaamdivasam.’
“We have been acting together for nearly 50 years now. Although I am comfortable with other actors too, there is a special rapport when I act with Sivaraman. That may be due to our long association and friendship,” says Kalamandalam Gopi.
Different schools
Interestingly, both of them came from different schools of Kathakali. While Gopi mastered the art from Kalamandalam, Sivaraman was groomed at P.S.V. Natyasangom. Both of them made their presence felt with their improvised styles and brilliant portrayals, which received wide acceptance from all quarters.
“Although we were trained in two different institutions, the rapport between us elevates our performances. We never discuss anything before the play. But both of us spontaneously respond to each other. It is a rare phenomenon that happens among artistes,” says Kottakkal Sivaraman.
Of the last five scenes of ‘Nalacharitham,’ which were enacted, the highlight was the one depicting the reunion of Nala and Damayanti.
Kalamandalam Gopi took the spectators to new heights of appreciation while portraying the anxiety, eagerness and conflict of Bahukan. Kottakkal Sivaraman dexterously conveyed Damayanti’s spectrum of emotions, which ranged from agony and despair to anticipation and exhilaration, through his vivid expressions and vibrant body language.
Kesini, another character in the play, was skilfully portrayed by Margi Vijayakumar. Paalanad Divakaran and Kalamandalam Harishkumar sang the enchanting songs in the play. Kalamandalam Unnikrishnan on the chenda and Kalamandalam Sasi on the maddalam supported the actors.
The programme was organised by BEAME and Ernakulam Kathakali Club.
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