Vision in progress
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Kerala Kalamandalam plans to send artistes to various places in Kerala to conduct workshops and performances.
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The Kerala Kalamandalam was established way back in 1930 with the prime aim of preserving and propagating Kathakali.
Seventy-eight years later this art form is going through a critical phase. Numerous artistes who have given their sweat and blood learning this art are now struggling to keep their hearth burning. The number of stages or venues for them has shrunk considerably, opportunities have dwindled and many artistes have given up their art for other professions.
Though it is generally felt that Kathakali is popular throughout Kerala , the fact is that it is alive only in certain pockets. Realising the urgent need to give Kathakali a much needed resuscitative shot, Kerala Kalamandalam Deemed University has envisaged a programme ‘Noorarangu,’ which will begin at a special function at Changampuzha Park, Edappally, on August 21.
“Our vision is to extend the activities of Kalamandalam to various places in the State. We have got together 50 artistes who will be divided into groups.
They will go around the State and conduct one-day and three-day workshops and performances. This will be organised through Kathakali clubs, schools, colleges, libraries, local cultural clubs and other such organisations. Those interested in participating in this scheme need to register before August 31.
The initial response has been overwhelming but we are looking for organisations that will take the message to areas where the art needs to get exposure,” says K. G. Paulose, vice-chancellor, Kerala Kalamandalam Deemed University.
Major and minor troupes
Along with this scheme Kalamandalam hopes to develop a second string of artistes who will be readily available for performances. “In the past we had major and minor troupes here. Artistes like Gopi actually honed his talent performing for the minor troupe. Those days both these troupes had opportunities. This minor troupes gradually became non-existent. Our aim is to set up a second string, give them chances to perform in main roles. This extended repertoire will help keep the art alive. Next year we have plans to extend this scheme to Koodiyattam and Mohiniyattam,” says Paulose.
The group of 10 artistes will be supported by three experts in each group.
“We have chalked out the pattern of the workshop, which will include a full performance.
The only expenditure that the organisation will need to incur is transportation of the artistes.
This can be reduced if the programme is scheduled on continuous dates and also by choosing groups of artistes from the nearby areas.”
Organisations interested in being part of ‘Noorarangu’ can register with the Coordinator, Noorarangu Kathakali Scheme, Kerala Kalamandalam, Vallathol Nagar, Cheruthuruthy, Thrissur 679531 or contact 04884 262418, 262562.
K.P.
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