Features: Magazine | Literary Review | Life | Metro Plus | Open Page | Education Plus | Book Review | Business | SciTech | Friday Review | Cinema Plus | Young World | Property Plus | Quest | Folio |

Vazhengada Kunju Nair Memorial Trust, Karalmanna, celebrated the sixtieth birthday of Kathakali artiste Narippata Narayanan Namboothiri with a three-day Kathakali fete.

An alumnus of Gandhi Seva Sadanam Kathakali Academy, Naripatta was trained under Kizhpadam Kumaran Nair. He is now working at the Academy as its art director.

Kumaran Nair was famous for his manodharma, aesthetics, wit and contextual interpretations. Narippatta, in his own right, has contributed to these aspects as a true disciple. It was as a tribute to Naripatta that art lovers of Karalmanna, the artiste’s native place, decided to celebrate his birthday.

Each day was dedicated to the memory of three stalwarts of Kathakali. The first evening was dedicated to the late Kalamandalam Padmanabhan Nair. Melappadam by Sadanam Harikumar, Nedumpally Rammohan, Mattanur Sankarankutty and Cherplassery Sivan set the mood for the evening.

‘Nalacharithom Onnaam Divasom’ was followed by ‘Narakasura vadhom’ with Pariyanampatta Divakaran as Nakrathundi, Lalitha by Sadanam Bhasi and Narakasuran by Narippatta himself.

The second day was dedicated to Kizhpadam Kumaran Nair. ‘Kalyanasougandhikam Kathakali’ was performed. Sadanam Balakrishnan as Bhima gave the audience a taste of the Kizhpadam style with Sadanam Krishnankutty as Hanuman.

Sadanam Ramankutty as Ravana and Kavungal Divakara Panicker as Bali brought out the mirth and sarcasm of the story ‘Balivijayam.’ Palanad Divakaran provided vocal support along with Sadanam Shyamalan, Sadanam Sivadas and Athippatta Ravi. ‘Nalacharithom Nalam Divasom’ was staged as the grand finale followed by ‘Thoranayudham’ and ‘Kiratham.’

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail