Reliving a colourful past

THE MGR FILM City usually shows fans a glimpse of their favourites in action. This time, though, the spotlight is on folk arts, whose rhythms and colours have influenced films... the flame throwers, dummy-horse dancers and performers in various costumes.

These folk artistes have now come to Film City, in a programme to showcase traditional arts. Rare swords and knives, flashes of light and a voyage back to Regal times. The `veera vilayattu' of these artistes will include the famed `silambattam'.

The unique `karagattam', with performers on stilts dancing to the tune of a music troupe playing `nadaswarams' and drums is sure to entertain children twiddling their thumbs during summer vacation. These dances take place at the venue on week ends and other Government holidays.

The `mayilattam' artiste has something special to offer to visitors. He can not only `sip' water from a cup though his beak but also pick up garlands on the ground to honour the guest of his choice.

Blindfolded dancers locate the lemons placed on the ground, and target and smash them with their foreheads. The `kavadi attam' exponent excels in balancing and spinning the `kavadi' over his shoulders and head.

The exhibition of ancient folk arts has come to the Film City on an experimental basis and public response will determine whether it could be made a permanent feature, said the chairman, State Film Development Corporation, Mr. AVM. Kumaran. The programme aims at providing some small-budget entertainment for those who find amusement parks a little too expensive.

This venture has gained support. The Department of Tamil Culture has agreed to sponsor some of the programmes, even before the launch.

The South Zone Cultural Centre is coordinating with the film city officials to provide the variety entertainment. The centre has over 10,000 artistes registered with it, who can be called at short notice.

The centre not only coordinates programmes within the State and but caters to the requirement of other southern States, organising programmes like `Bharat Utsav'. It is not just at official programmes and temple festivals these artistes perform, they are also a part of Republic Day Parades.

The Song and Drama Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, has agreed to support the efforts of the film city. Puppet shows and `villupattu' will also be part of the agenda in the coming weeks.

By S. Shanker

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Section  : Entertainment
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