Masterly performance

VINU VASUDEVAN

Veterans like Kalamandalam Gopi and Kottakal Sivaraman made the staging of `Duryodhana Vadham' a memorable one.

MAESTROS ON STAGE: Kalamandalam Gopi as Raudra Bheeman.

`Duryodhana Vadham,' which was staged at Cherupulasseri, near Palakkad, in connection with the annual festival of Sri Puthanalakkal Temple, brought together some of the living legends in the field. It was a golden opportunity for aficionados of Kathakali to see these veterans breathe life into the characters of the epic heroes. The play was divided into four scenes and culminated with the killing of Dushasana.

Kalamandalam Gopi's `Raudra Bheeman' attracted a large crowd. This is one of Gopi's masterpieces. He was enacting this role after 10 years.

Three-hour play

The three-hour performance began with the padam `Jaya jaya janardhana... .' in which Dharmaputhra, the eldest Pandava, requests Lord Krishna, played by Sadanam Krishnankutty, to mediate between the cousins and persuade Duryodhana to give the Pandavas their rightful share.

Sadanam Krishnankutty, a product of the Keezhpadam school, skilfully donned the role of Lord Krishna. Despite the nimble steps and tough movements, the sexagenarian never looked tired.

In the second scene, which shows Panchali and Krishna, Panchali expresses the humiliation she suffered in the court of the Kauravas. The famous Kathakali padam `Paripahi' narrates Panchali's woes, her fury at Dushasana, and her plea to Lord Krishna to protect her. Krishna's reply is narrated in the padam `Parshathi mama sakhi' as he prepares to meet Duryodhana to plead the case of the Pandavas.

Panchali's role

Panchali was enacted by Kottakal Sivaraman, whose sthree veshams remain unmatched. It was a new experience for many of the youngsters in the audience as the master was donning this role after a long interval.

Kottakal Chandrasekharan and Nelliyodu Vasudevan Namboothiri efficiently handled the roles of Duryodhana and Dushasana. Both of them were disciples of Padmasree Vazhenkada Kunchu Nair's kalari (training centre).

Chandrasekharan, a gifted artist, impressed the audience with the bhavas and gestures of the cunning Duryodhana. Nelliyode, who is considered to be the last word in `Thadi Veshams,' enthralled the spectators with his typical mannerisms. Raudra Bheeman

The piece-de-resistance was Gopi Asan as the furious, revengeful Raudra Bheeman who kills Dushasana. Asan's portrayal of Bheeman was a lesson for younger artistes.

Kottakal Kesavan ably donned the role of Dharmaputhra.

The last scene portrays the battle between Bheeman and Dushasana.

The emotive and mellifluous singing accentuated the charm of the play. Kottakal Narayanan stuck to tradition while rendering the lyrics. Vengeri Narayana Namboothiri accompanied him. Kalamandalam Unnikrishnan and Kalamandalam Narayana Nambeesan played the chenda and madhalam respectively.

This Kathakali performance made a mark in Valluvanad's Kathakali scene.

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