Act of valour

Photo: S. Gopakumar

Rich in drama:Margi’s performance of ‘Kalyanasougandhikam’ began with ‘Sauryagunam,’ which portrays Bheemasena’s anger towards the Kauravas.

Kottayathu Thampuran’s ‘Kalyanasougandhikam’ Kathakali was performed at Margi Natyagriham, Thiruvananthapuram, as part of the monthly training programme for artistes. For the last few years, Margi has been conducting such training programmes to hone the skills of performers. This time, the first part of ‘Kalyanasougandhikam’ was staged over two days.

The recital began with a traditional Purappad and Melapadam. Margi Sukumaran performed the Purappad followed by Melapadam, a mix of music and rhythm. Slokas for the Melapadam were excerpted from the Ashtapadi.

A few decades ago, no Kathakali stage would be complete without Melapadam. However, now it has become a rarity and so its performance came as a bonanza for Kathakali buffs. A perfect blend of ‘melam’ and ‘padam,’ Melapadam is a scintillating free space for musicians and drummers to improvise and showcase their creative prowess.

Musicians Kalamandalam Krishnankutty and Kalanilayam Rajiv were accompanied by Margi Krishnadas, Margi Venugopal, Margi Mohanan and Margi Ratnakaran on the chenda and the maddalam. During the captivating 90-minute Melapadam, Krishnankutty and Rajiv ensured that the ‘bhavas’ were in tandem and the percussionists balanced it with the melam.

The play began with ‘Sauryagunam,’ which portrays Bhima’s anger towards the Kauravas. Kottayathu Thampuran’s attakkathas were all based on ‘Vanaparvam’ of the Mahabharatha. ‘Sauryagunam’ has Bhima trying to persuade Dharmaputhra to permit him to destroy the Kauravas. This part is a challenge for the artiste as it is a structured role that also demands the actor to portray a wide range of emotions.

Kalamandalam Ratheesan, one of the senior artistes of Margi, performed the lead role of Bhima.

His mastery was evident when he enacted the padam ‘Ashwasamodu bahu peethua…,’ which narrates and depicts Bhima’s fury towards Dussasana. Margi Balasubramanian performed as Dharmaputhra and Margi Suresh as Romesha Maharshi.

The second day’s play continued the story staged on the first day. Pandavas, led by Dharmaputhra, starts their journey in the forest. They are accosted by Jadasuran, sent by the Kauravas to kill the Pandavas. After defeating Jadasura, the Pandavas continue their journey.

However, a tired Panchali is unable to walk further and so Bhima’s son Khadolkacha helps them reach a safe destination. This again is not commonly staged now. Margi Balasubramanian as Khadolkacha, Attingal Peethambaran as Bhima, Margi Suresh as Dharmaputhra and Ratheesan as Krishna did a fine job. Margi Harivalsan and Sukumaran performed as Panjali and Brahmana.

The padams of Khadolkacha and Bhima, considered the most aesthetic part of this act, were evocatively rendered by the singers. It was enhanced by the graceful kalasams performed by Balasubramanian.

Kalanilayam Rajendran and Fact Damu rendered the lyrics while Kalanilayam Krishnakumar and Margi Baby performed the melam.

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