Preserving tradition for posterity

IT'S TIME for the traditional arts to come alive in Chennai.

Last week, it was Mridanga's initiative to present a selection of Indian classical traditions while, this week, it will be Manasthala's turn to bring together some of the best puppeteers in South India.

A common thread in both the events is the presence of Venu.G, a researcher and performer, who has been acclaimed for his efforts in Kudiyattam and puppetry. He is the founder of the troupe, Natanakairali, which is headed by his Guru Ammanur Chakyar, a living legend of the grand old tradition of Kudiyattam. Venu has also an authoritative book on Kathakali notations to his credit and this is one of the first instances where a performer has broken free from traditional confines and ventured to take the notations to a wider audience.

Kudiyattam, performed by the `Chakyars' has moved out from koothambalams (temple-theatres) to swank auditoriums over the ages, but lack of patronage and audience for this `slow' dance form is slowly rendering it extinct. Some from among the few who gathered at the Museum Theatre to watch the performance, felt that it was time that the art form evolved to take care of newer audience tastes. ``This is the art form which gave birth to Kathakali some 500 years ago. The strength of Kudiyattam is in its ability to adapt and encompass change,'' said one. Another felt that there should be better efforts at making the audience understand the art form better.

On January 29, Venu G. along with M. R. Ranganatha Rao (Rangaputhali, Karnataka); Kalaimamani Manichavasagam (Gananathar Bommai Nataga Sabha, Tamil Nadu) and Kalaimani Seethalakshmi (Indian Puppeteers, Andhra Pradesh) will conduct workshops and demonstrations on puppet making from 10 a.m. to 5-30 p.m. through the week. An exhibition on the theme will be inaugurated at 6 p.m. on Monday by Ms. Y. G. Parthasarathy.

According to Ms. Kalyani Pramod of Manasthala, the organisation involved in the promotion of Indian culture through the medium of traditional arts and crafts, puppets crafted by the artists will be available for sale during the exhibition. Every evening, there will be a puppet show from one south Indian state.

By R.K.Radhakrishnan

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Southern States
Previous : They hunt fox for good luck
Next     : Fun and frolic for a fine cause