Rare occasion
T.K. SADASIVAN
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Kalamandalam Gopi surprised the audience by appearing as Kattalan in ‘Kiratham.’
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Role play: Kalamandalam Gopi as Kirathan.
One of the salient features of Kathakali is that its actors are trained to handle all type of characters. Thus every actor is capable of enacting any role, irrespective of the character’s nature. But seasoned actors usually stick to a type o
f character in which they excel.
Kalamandalam Gopi, who has immortalised characters such as Nalan, Arjuna, Bheema, Karna and Krishna, recently surprised spectators in the role of Kattalan in Kirathan. While acting as the Kirathan of ‘Kiratham,’ Gopi, the King of Pacha (green costume), proved that he could excel in ‘Kari’ roles as well.
A huge gathering assembled to witness the performance, conducted under the auspice of ‘Lavanyam 2007,’ organised by District Tourism Promotion Council, Ernakulam.
Short play
‘Kiratham,’ a short duration play, was aptly chosen for the occasion since it can be easily followed even by laymen. Penned by Irattakulangara Rama Warier (1801-1845), ‘Kiratham’ has been adapted from the Mahabharata. While the Pandavas were in exile, Arjuna observes penance to get the ‘Pasupastra’ from Lord Siva. To test the loyalty and competency of Arjuna, Lord Siva and Parvathi, appears before him disguised as a ‘Kirathan’ (hunter) and Kirathashree (huntress).
A dispute breaks out over a boar as both Lord Siva and Arjuna claim to have killed it. Although Arjuna is almost killed by the Kirathan, Lord Siva and Parvathy appear before Arjuna and bless him with ‘Pusupastra’.
The performance was a rare occasion for spectators who have always seen Gopi in dignified and serious roles. The master transformed with ease to become a humorous and jovial Kattalan and he excelled in it. It was fascinating to watch his entry while hunting with vigorous movements and funny gestures.
Arjuna was brilliantly handled by Kalamandalam Balasubramaniam. He portrayed the character with vivid facial expressions and vibrant gestures. Incidentally, it is from Kalamandalam Gopi, that Balasubramaniam learned the nuances of acting. So the rapport between Balasubramaniam and Gopi was perfect. Kalamandalam Shanmughan handled well the role of Kirathashree.
Kottakal Madhu and Kalamandalam Harikrishnan were on the vocals and Kalamandalam Unnikrishnan and Kalamandalam Sasi were on the percussion. The rapport between Kalamandalam Unnikrishnan and Gopi Asan was amazing. Unnikrishnan followed the actors, grasped their feelings and thoughts and backed them with his strokes on the chenda.
The Purapad, by Sruti and Malavya Ajith, two promising disciples of Kalamandalam Balasubramaniam, was admirable.
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