MUDRA – The language of dance and theatre in Kerala

Colloquium, Exhibition, Demonstrations, Film Screenings and Performances 

Celebrating 50 years of dance and theatre notation by G Venu

on 23,24,25 October 2015 at Natanakairali, Irinjalakuda

with assistance from the Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India

Programme

23rd Oct 

10 am – Opening session

Welcome address – Kapila Venu

Exhibition on Notation of Mudra-s by G Venu inaugurated by Renu Ramanath

Colloquium

‘My journey through Mudra and Notation’ –  presentation by G Venu – Today’s topic ‘The evolution of a system of Notation’

‘Hasthalakshanadeepika in Mohiniyattam’ – Lecture-Demonstration by Nirmala Paniker

‘Mudra- The language of Indian dance’ – Presentation by Sreelakshmy Govardhanan

‘Mudra – In the contexts of traditional and contemporary theatres’ – Presentation by Sankar Venkateswaran

4 pm – Film Screening

Screening of ‘KAPILA’ which won the National Award from the Govt. of India for best film on Culture, 2014 directed by Sanju Surendran. The film will be introduced by the director.

5.30 pm – Book release function

Welcome address – G Venu

Chairperson – Prof.George S Paul

Inauguration – Govt. of Kerala Chief VIP Adv.Thomas Unniadan MLA

Adv.Thomas Unniadan releases the book ‘Mudra- The language of dance and theatre in Kerala’ by handing a copy to Shri E K Keshavan (Secretary, Thapasya – Kalasahityavedi Irinjalakuda)

Felicitation – Shri Agnisharman

Vote of Thanks – Smt.Nirmala Paniker

7 pm Performance

Mohiniyattam Recital by Sandra Radhakrishnan and Parvathy Sreevallabhan (disciples of Guru Nirmala Paniker, Natanakaisiki)

24th Oct

10 am – Morning Session

Welcome address – Pothiyil Renjith Chakyar

Chairperson – Pothiyil Naranayana Chakyar, Palakkad

Inaugaration – Ammannur Kuttan Chakyar

Felicitation – M K Devarajan

Colloquium

‘My journey through Mudra and Notation’ –  presentation by G Venu – Today’s topic ’Notating the hand gestures of Mohiniyattam’

‘Symbolism in dance notation’ – Talk by Surendran Chembukkad

Vote of thanks – Parvathy Sreevallabhan

4 pm – Film screening

1. Selected portions of Guru Ammannur Madhava Chakyar’s abhinaya filmed in 1979 for a documentary that is yet to be released
2. Documentary on Mani Madhava Chakyar made by Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi

7 pm – Performance

Shankaracharya’s Saudaryalahari in Nangiar Koothu

Performed by Kapila Venu

Choregraphed by G Venu

25th Oct

10 am – Morning Session

Welcome address – Kalamandalam Rajeev

Chairperson – Remesan Nambisan

Inaugaration – Guru Padmabhooshan Madavoor Vasudevan Nair

Colloquium

‘Mudrabhinaya in the tradition of Guru Chengannoor Raman Pillai’ Talk by Guru Padmabhooshan Madavoor Vasudevan Nair

‘My journey through Mudra and Notation’ –  presentation by G Venu – Today’s topic ’Memorable experiences while notating Ramayana Samkshepam’

“Hastabhinaya in Natyashastra’ – Talk by C P Unnikrishnan

‘The evolution of the purity of technique in Kathakali’ – Talk by Sreechitran M J

Vote of thanks – Kalamandalam K P Narayanan Nambiar

4 pm Film Screening

1. ‘Dancing with the Gurus’ – a film on Ammannur Madhava Chakyar by Aruna Harprasad
2. Selected scenes from Kutiyattam performances filmed in 1973 by Prajna Thakur

7 pm – Performance

Kathakali – Banayudham by Guru Madavoor Vasudevan Nair and group

Ammannur Chachu Chakyar Smaraka Gurukulam presents 26th Kutiyatta Mahotsavam

 

1st to 12th January 2013

At Madhava Natya Bhoomi, Ammannur Gurukulam, Irinjalakuda

6 PM Onwards

1st January

6pm – Inaugaration of the 26th annual festival and commemoration of Guru Ammannur Parameswara Chakyar

Welcome address – Ammannur Kuttan Chakyar, President, Ammannur Gurukulam

Presided By : Shri.M.P.Jakson (former chairman of Irinjalakuda Municipality)

Inaugaration – Adv.Thomas Unniadan MLA

Felicitating Shri.Kalanilayam Parameswaran (recipient of Kalamandalam Award) : Shri.G.Venu ( Kulapathi, Ammannur Gurukulam)

Ammannur Paramwsewara Chakyar memorial speech – Prof. George.S.Paul

Felicitations:   Raji Suresh (Councillor, Irinjalakuda Municipality), A.T.Narayanan Namboothiri

Vote of Thanks:  Kalamandalam Rajeev, Secretary, Ammannur Gurukulam

Nangiarkoothu : Kamsajananam by Keerthi Sagar

2^nd January

Nangiarkoothu : Ugrasenabandhanam by Gayathri.P

3^rd January

Nangiarkoothu : Kamsante Nayattu by Archana Nandakumar

4^th January

Nangiarkoothu : Kamsavadham by Saritha Krishnakumar

 

5^th January

Nangiarkoothu :   by Kapila Venu

6^th January

Kutiyattam : Surpanakhankam

Sree Raman : Pothiyil Ranjith Chakyar

Sita : Keerthi Sagar

Lalita : Kapila Venu

Surpanakha : G.Venu

Lakshmanan : Ammannur Rajaneesh Chakyar

7^th January

Cheriya Udyanapravesam (Asokavanikankam)

Ravanan : Ammannur Kuttan Chakyar

8^th January

Purappadu of Samudratharanankam

Sree Raman : Ganesh Krishna

 

9^th January

Nirvahanam of Samudratharanankam

Sree Raman : Ammannur Rajaneesh Chakyar

10^th January

Samudratharanankam Kutiyattam 1^st day

Sree Raman : Pothiyil Ranjith Chakyar

Lakshmanan : Ganesh Krishna

Sugreevan : Sooraj Nambiar

Hanuman : Ammannur Rajaneesh Chakyar

11^th January

Kutiyattam Samudratharanankam

Sree Raman : Sooraj Nambiar

Lakshmanan :

Sugreevan :

Vibhishanan : Pothiyil Ranjith Chakyar

Hanuman : Ammannur Rajaneesh Chakyar

Varunan : Ammannur Kuttan Chakyar

Neelan :

Sukan :

Saranan :

Vanaranmar :

12^th January

Chalakuvalayam ( Subhadra dhananjayam kutiyattam 2^nd Day)

Arjunan : Pothiyil Ranjith Chakyar

Subhadra : Gayathri.P

Vidushakan : Sooraj Nambiar

Accompanying Artistes – Mizhavu: Kalamandalam Rajeev; Kalamandalam Hariharan; Kalamandalam Narayanan Nambiar;

Edakka: Kalanilayam Unnikrishnan; P Nandakumar; Kalanilayam Kaladharan

Thalam: Smt.Nirmala Paniker Kapila Venu;  Saritha Krishnakumar;  Keerthi Sagar;  Gayathri P; Archana Nandakumar

Chutti: Kalanilayam Parameswaran; Kalanilayam Hridas

Backstage assistance – Anilkumar

Office in charge – K R Sankaran

 

Lecture Demonstration by Noh Theatre Master Shimizu Kanji

Noh Master Shimizu Kanji

Natanakairali presents lecture demonstration by Noh Master Shimizu Kanji
Renowned Japanese Noh Theatre Master Shimizu Kanji will do a lecture Demonstration on the acting techniques of Noh theatre at Natanakairali’s Abhinayakkalari actors’ laboratory on 28th Dec 2011 at 6.30 PM. 

His talk will focus on the the stylistic and technical nuances of Noh acting with and without masks. He will also talk about the basic posture, use of voice and some selected portions from plays. Shimizu Kanji is a master teacher of Noh at Okinawa Prefectural University of the Arts (Okinawa kenritsu Geijutsu Daigaku, Okinawa, Japan). He is well trained in the traditional techjnique of Noh and at the same time has been involved in various experimental works as well.

In honour of the visiting guest artitses Natanakairali will host performances including ‘Parvativiraham Nangiar Koothu by Smt.Kapila Venu on 29th Dec at 6 pm, ‘Palatharamam naadangal – Mohiniyattam choreographed by Guru Nirmala Paniker based on Vylopilli’s poem by the same name on 30th Dec, Kaniyar Kali by Shri.Dwaraka Krishnan and group on 2nd Jan 2012at 9 pm, Mudiyettu by Shri.Manian Marar and group on 3rd Jan 2012 at 9 pm.

This interactive session will mark the beginning of a collaborative venture by Tokyo National University and Natanakairali aimed towards a deep research into the acting techniques of two great theatre traditions of the world, Kutiyattam and Noh theatre.

Ammannur Chachu Chakyar Smaraka Gurukulam celebrates 25th Kutiyattam Mahotsavam

Pothiyil Renjith Chakyar, Photo: Manoj Parameswaran

Programme

Date: 1st to 12th January 2012

Venue: Madhava Natya Bhoomi, Ammannur Gurukulam, Irinjalakuda

1st January

5pm – Inaugaration of the 25th annual festival and commemoration of Guru Ammannur Parameswara Chakyar

Welcome address – Kalamandalam Rajeev, Secretary, Ammannur Gurukulam

Presided By : Ammannur Kuttan Chakyar, President, Ammannur Gurukulam

Inaugaration – Adv.Thomas Unniadan MLA

Chief Guest – Dr.Rajan Gurukkal

Lighting of the lamp – Smt. Sonia Giri(Chairperson, Irinjalakuda Municipality)

Talk about 25 years of Kutiyattam Mahotsavam by: G.Venu (Kulapathi, Ammannur Gurukulam)

Ammannur Paramwsewara Chakyar memorial speech – Painkulam Narayana Chakyar

Felicitations: Narayanan Embranthiri (Principal, Unnayi Warrier Smaraka Kalanilayam) , Raji Suresh (Councillor, Irinjalakuda Municipality)

Vote of Thanks: Kalamandalam Narayanan Nambiar (Treasurer, Ammannur Gurukulam)

Performance : Nangiar Koothu – ‘Chitrangada’ based on Tagore’s play Chitra – Kapila Venu

2nd January

11 am  – Kutiyattam workshop series for school children – Inaugarated by Smt.Nirmala Paniker(Director, Natanakaisiki Mohiniyatta Gurukulam)

5.30 pm – Talk by Kalanilayam Haridas – ‘Costume  in Kutiyattam’

6.30 pm – Nangiar Koothu – ‘Subhadraharanam’ – by Aparna Nangiar

3rd January

5.30 pm – Talk by Sooraj Nambiar – ‘Charibheda-s (choreographic patterns) in Kutiyattam’

6.30pm – Nangiar Koothu – ‘Govardhanodharanam” –  by Saritha Krishnakumar

4th january

5.30 pm – Talk by Aparna Nangiar – ‘Swara-s and their uses in Kutiyattam’

6.30 pm – Balivadham Day One – ‘Sriramante Purappadu’ by  Ganesh Krishna

5th January

5.30 pm – Talk by Kalamandalam Narayanan nambiar ‘History and ritualistic aspects of Mizhavu’

6.30 pm – Balivadham Day Two – Sriramante Nirvahanam by Vinod N Menon

6th January

5.30pm Talk by Kapila Venu – ‘Hastabhinaya in Kutiyattam’

6.30 pm – Balivadham Day Three ‘Sugreevante Purappadu’ by Ganesh Krishna

7th Januray

5.30 pm – Talk by Ammannur Rajaneesh Chakyar ‘The femininity of Surpanakha’

6.30 pm – Balivadham Day Four – Sugrivante Nirvahanam by Ammannur Madhav

8th january

5.30 pm – Talk by Kalamandalam Rajeev – ‘The role of drumming in the Abhinaya in Kutiyattam’

6.30 pm – Balivadham Day Five Kutiyattam – Cast: Sugreevan-Sooraj Nambiar; Sriraman- Pothiyil Renjith Chakyar; Lakshmanan- Ammannur Madhav; Hanuman-Ganesh Krishna; Bali-Ammannur Rajaneesh Chakyar; Thara-Keerthi Sagar; Angadan-Vinod N Menon

9th January

5.30 pm – Talk by Kalamandalam Hariharan ‘ Training in Mizhavu drumming’

6.30 pm – Kutiyattam ‘Kalyanasaugandhikam’ – Cast: Bhimasenan-Ammannur Kuttan Chakyar; Krodhavashan-Ammannur Rajaneesh Chakyar; Vidyadharan-Sooraj nambiar; Gunamanjari-Archana nandakumar; Hanuman-Pothiyil Renjith Chakyar

10th January

5.30 pm – Talk by Kalanilayam Unnikrishnan ‘Role of Edakka drumming in kutiyattam’

6.30 pm – ‘Thoranayudham’ Day One- Cast: Shankukarnan-Ammannur Rajaneesh Chakyar; Vijaya-Gayathri P; Ravanan-pothiyil Renjith Chakyar

11th January

5.30 pm – Talk by Pothiyil Renjith Chakyar – ‘The possibilities of Ilakiattam in Kutiyattam’

6.30 pm – Thoranayudham Day Two – Cast: Shankukarnan-Sooraj Nambiar; Ravanan-Vinod N Menon

12th January

5.30 pm – Open discussion’The future of Kutiyattam’ practitioners and spectators will participate

6.30 pm – Kutiyattam ‘Thoranayudham’ Day Three – Cast: Ravana-Pothiyil Renjith Chakyar; Vibhishana-Ammannur Madhav; Hanuman-Sooraj Nambiar

Accompanying Artistes – Mizhavu: Kalamandalam Rajeev; Kalamandalam Hariharan; Kalamandalam Narayanan Nambiar; Kalamandalam Ratheesh Bhas; Kalamandalam Ravikumar; Kalamandalam Vineesh; Kalamandalam Jayaraj; Kalamandalam Manikantan; Kalamandalam Shivadas Nambiar

Edakka: Kalanilayam Unnikrishnan; P Nandakumar; Kalanilayam Kaladharan

Thalam: Smt.Nirmala Paniker; Aparna Nangiar; Kapila Venu;  Saritha Krishnakumar;  Keerthi Sagar;  Gayathri P; Archana Nandakumar

Chutti: Kalanilayam Parameswaran; Kalanilayam Hridas

Backstage assistance – Kalamandalam Shivadas Nambiar

Co-ordination – K R Sankaran

for further details please contact:

Ammannur Gurukulam, Chachu Chakyar Road, Irinjalakuda- 680121\Ph: 0480- 2823140, 99475 50136, 9947857551

ammannurgurukulam@gmail.com

Kalidasasmriti

10th Anniversary Celebration of SAKUNTALAM KUTIYATTAMas KALIDASA SMRITI

(Organized with the financial assistance from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India)

Revised program

Synopsis and cast: download the printfriendly pdf file here:

SAKUNTALAM_KUTIYATTAM_KALIDASASNRITI_10thAnniv.pdf

NATYASASTRA – Lecture Series

ABHIJNANA SAKUNTALAM – Performance

Natana Kairali, Irinjalakuda will celebrate the tenth anniversary of the staging of Sakuntalam Kutiyattam, directed by G.Venu and presented for the first time in January, 2002, with year-long programs dedicated to the memory of the great poet Kalidasa. The programs will begin on July 23, 2011 with a four-day-long performance of Sakuntalam Kutiyattam, accompanied with a Lecture Series on Natyasastra and the Kalidasa plays.

The lectures will last for about 2 hours every day, with provision for discussion and rising of any doubts at the end.

The event Kalidasa smriti will be inaugurated by Adv. Thomas Unniyadan MLA on July 23rd at 6 PM, with Ms. Sonia Giri, Chairperson, Irinjalakuda Municipal Corporation, presiding over the function.

On 25th July for the third day presentation of Abhijnana Sakuntalam  Dr. P.N. Suresh (Acting Vice Chancellor, Kerala Kalamandalam Deemed university)  has kindly agreed to be our  guest of honour.

NATYA SASTRA AND KALIDASA PLAYS – (Lecture Series)

July 23, 10 AM  :  Dr. N.P. Unni  (Former Vice Chancellor, Sreesankaracharya Samskrit University)

July 24, 10 AM  :  Prof. Thuravoor Viswambharan

July 25, 10 AM  :  Dr. K.G. Paulose  (Former Vice Chancellor, Kerala Kalamandalam Deemed University)

July 26, 10 AM  : Dr. C. Rajandran  ( Professor  of Sanskrit,  University of Calicut)

ABHIJNANA SAKUNTALAM – Performance

Sakuntalam Kutiyattam, which is about 13 hours long, has been performed in 112 venues all over the world so far, including many full length performances lasting 3 – 4 days. At Rome, Paris and National School of Drama, New Delhi, ‘Sakuntalam’ was performed continuously for 10 and a half hours in a day. The Malayalam channel of the Doordharsan Kendra has documented  the entire play and telecast as 29 episodes.

1. 1.July 23rd at 6 PM – First Day (First Act)
2. 2.July 24th at 6 PM – Second Day (Second Act)
3. 3.July 25th at 6PM – Third Day (Fourth, Fifth and sixth Acts)
4. 4.July 26th at 6pm – Fourth Day (Sixth and seventh Acts)

Gurusmarana Festival – Programme in English

Gurusmarana and Abhisheka Nataka Mahotsavam

in memory of late Guru Ammannur Madhava Chakyar

on the occasion of his first death anniversary

Detailed Programme

Anusmarana Sammelanam (Memorial Meeting)

Wednesday, 01-07-2009, 5 pm.

Welcome – G. Venu, Secretary, Ammannur Gurukulam

Inauguration – Adv. Thomas Unniyadan MLA.

Presidential Address – M.P.Jackson, Chairman, Irinjalakuda Municipal Council.

Memorial Lecture – Dr. K.G.Paulose, Vice Chancellor, Kerala Kalamandalam Deemed University,

Unveiling of the portrait of Guru Ammannur Madhava Chakyar – Padmasri Panivadarathnam P.K.Narayanan Nambiar, president, Mani Madhava Chakyar Smaraka Gurukulam, Lakkidi.

Releasing of the text on Nangiarkoothu, written by Guru Ammannur Madhava Chakyar – Prof. George S.Paul

Receiving the first copy – Dr.Balashankar Mannath, Director, Kutiyattam Kendra, Thiruvananthapuram,

Vote of Thanks – Nirmala Panikker.

Abhisheka Nataka Mahotsavam

6.30 pm.

Kutiyattam: ‘Balivadhankam’

Sugriva: Sooraj Nambiar

Sree Rama: Ammannur (Margi) Rama Chakyar.

Lakshamana – Ammannur Madhav

Hanuman – Ammannur Rajaneesh Chakyar

Bali – Ammannur Kuttan Chakyar

Tara – Kapila

Mizhavu – V.K.K.Hariharan

Thursday, 02-07-2009, 5.30 pm.

Lecture I:  Ammannur Kuttan Chakyar on ‘Directing Abhisheka Natakam,’ (Abhisheka Naatakathile Samvidhanangal).

Lecture II:  Dr. C.M.Neelakandan (‘Hanumaddothankam and Other Bhasa Plays,’)

Kutiyattam: ‘Hanumaddothankam.’

Hanuman: Sooraj Nambiar

Sita: Usha Nangiar

Ravana – Ammannur Rajaneesh Chakyar.

Directed by: Guru Ammannur Madhava Chakyar.

Friday, 03-07-09, 5.30 pm

Lecture: Dr. C.M.Neelakandan (‘Thoranayudham and Other Bhasa Plays,’)

Kutiyattam: ‘Thoranayudhankam’

Sankukarna – Sooraj Nambiar

Vijaya – Saritha Krishnakumar

Ravana – Margi Madhu

Vibhishana – Ammannur Rajaneesh Chakyar

Hanuman – Margi Sajeev.

Saturday, 04-07-09, 5.30 pm.

Lecture: Dr. Kanjad Vasudevan Namboothirippad (‘Samudratharanankam and Other Bhasa Plays,’)

Kutiyattam: ‘Samudratharanankam.’

Sree Rama – Sooraj Nambiar

Lakshmana – Ammannur Rajaneesh Chakyar.

Hanuman – Ammannur Madhav

Vibhishana – Pothiyil Ranjith Chakyar

Varuna – Ammannur Kuttan Chakyar.

Directed by Guru Ammannur Madhava Chakyar.

Sunday, 05-07-09, 5.30 pm

Lecture: Dr. P.Venugopal, (‘Mayashironkam and Other Bhasa Plays’)

Kutiyattam: ‘Mayasirassu.’

Visalamathi (Rakshasakanchukeeyan) – Ammannur Rajaneesh Chakyar

Seetha – Aparna Nangiar

Ravanan – Pothiyil Ranjith Chakyar

Samarabheeru – Sooraj Nambiar.

Directed by Ammannur Kuttan Chakyar.

Monday, 06-07-09, 5.30 pm

Lecture I: G.Venu (‘Bhasa Plays and Direction’)

Lecture II: Dr. M.V.Narayanan (‘Prathamadwitheeyankam, and Other Bhasa Plays’)

Kutiyattam: ‘Prathamadwitheeyankam.’

Prathaman – Pothiyil Ranjith Chakyar

Dwitheeyan – Ammannur Rajaneesh Chakyar

Thritheeyan – Sooraj Nambiar

Directed by Ammannur Kuttan Chakyar.

Mizhavu – Kalamandalam Unnikrishnan Nambiar.

Tuesday, 07-07-09, 5 pm.
Valedictory Function

Welcome: Kalamandalam Rajeev, Joint Secretary, Ammannur Gurukulam.

Presidential Address: Prof.C.P.Elayath

Inauguration: Thankappan Master, Chairman, Sree Koodalmanickyam Devaswam.

Memorial Speeches: Kidangoor Rama Chakyar, K.V.Ramanathan, N.P.P.Namboothirippad.

Vote of Thanks: Aparna Nangiar.

Lecture: Dr. C.K.Jayanthi (‘Abhishekankam and Bhasa Plays.’)

Kutiyattam: ‘Abhishekankam.’

Sree Rama – Ammannur Rajaneesh Chakyar

Lakshama – Sooraj Nambiar

Hanuman – Ammannur Madhav

Vibhishanan – Pothiyil Ranjith Chakyar.

Agni – Ammannur Kuttan Chakyar

Sita – Kalamandalam Divya.

Mizhavu – Kalamandalam Gopinathan Nambiar

Thimila – Thriprayar Ramesan Marar

Kurumkuzhal – Mulakunnathukavu Anukumar.

Accompaniment

Mizhavu: Kalamandalam Rajeev, Kalamandalam Hariharan, Kalamandalam Narayanan Nambiar, Kalamandalam Ravikumar.

Edakka: Kalanilayam Unnikrishnan, P.Nandakumar

Thalam: Kalamandalam Divya, Archana Nandakumar, Keerthi Sagar, Gayathri P.

Make-up: Kalanilayam Parameswaran, Kalamandalam Satheesan, Kalanilayam Sankaranarayanan, Kalanilayam Haridas.

Aniyara: Sivadas Nambiar, Vinod N.Menon, Ganesh Krishna T.Menon.

The Death of Bali – part four – another photograph

Bali on Angada’s (his son’s) lap. Bali – Ammannur Madhava Chakyar, Angada – Pothiyil Narayana Chakyar and Sugreeva – Ammanur Kuttan Chakyar. Photo by: Camilla Van Zuylen, Holland(1987).

The Death of Bali – Part three – text of the performance

I wanted to to write a bit about the text and background of Balivadham(Act one of Bhasa’s play Abhisheka Natakam) for a better understanding of the previous posts on ‘The Death of Bali’.

 

Bhasa’s interpretations and characterisations are interesting. After being shot by Rama’s  arrow, Bali and Rama have a dialogue about Dharma – righteousness. No one can escape this scene without melting in their heart for Bali who was selfishly slain by Rama and that too from hiding.

 

Bhasa exposes Rama’s faltering when he is confronted by Bali wanting an explanation why his life was being ended. One finds Rama not being able to give a single reasonable answer to Bali’s questions. Below I have given a translation of the last part of the play from when Bali has been shot by Rama.

 

Brief description of the plot:

Rama(the hero of Ramayana)’s wife Sita has abducted by King Ravana. Rama(who is a prince in exile) sets out to find her along with his younger brother Lakshmana.

 

Mean while, Bali, the mighty monkey King of Kishkintha, the land of the monkeys is challenged to a dual by a demon/magician Dundhubhi. They fight inside a cave for days and nights. Bali’s brother Sugreeva waits for him outside the cave. Dundhubhi, with his magic makes Sugreeva believe that Bali has been defeated and killed. Sugreeva closes the opening of the cave so that Dundhubhi may not escape, goes back to the Kingdom and  takes over the throne and the queen.

 

Bali after killing Dundhubhi, realises that the cave has been shut from outside by his brother. He misunderstands that his beloved brother has tried to cheat him. Enraged he goes back to the kingdom, throws his brother out and regains the throne.

 

Sugreeva flees for his life and lives in hiding. During this time he meets Rama and they make a  deal to help each other by which Rama would kill Bali so that Sugreeva would become King again and then Sugreeva would help to find Rama’s wife. Rama follows Sugreeva to Kishkintha. Sugreeva and Bali engage in a dual during which Rama shoots Bali from a hiding place.

 

Quoting from the text:

Lakshmana: See Bali with his strong arms lies with his body split by the arrow and covered all over with blood. His red eyes are cast downwards as if he is getting ready to go to Yamaloka.

 

Bali, lies unconcious for some time and soon regains conciousess and reads the name ‘Rama’ inscribed on the arrow. The he addresses Sri Rama.

 

Bali: Alas! reputed as you are for your kind and gentle nature and for your righteousness, today you have soiled that reputation by killing me falsely from ambush. O’ noblest of the race of Raghu, you are a hermit wearing Jata(matted hair) and Valka(dress made of tree bark), but your mind and action are not in consonance with the nature of a hermit. When I was engaged in a fight with my brother, it was adharma(wrong, unlawful) on your part to kill me staying hidden behind a tree.

 

Rama: How do you say that killing from ambush is adharma?

 

Bali: What doubt is there about it?

 

Rama: No. it is not adharma. Look, animals are killed by laying nets or snares for them, the man remaining in ambush. You deserve to be killed and you are an animal. So I have punished you remaining hidden at a distance.

 

Bali: Do you think that I deserve to be punished or killed?

 

Rama: What doubt is there?

 

Bali: For what reason?

 

Rama: You have taken a woman as your wife whom you had no right to take.

 

Bali: Among us (monkeys) it is quite right and lawful to take another’s wife.

 

Rama: You are the Emperor of Monkeys with a good sense of Dharma and Adharma. Was it right on your part to behave like ordinary monkeys and take to yourself your brother,s wife?

 

Bali:  In the matter of accepting one’s brother’s wife, Sugriva and I are equally guilty. But you have punished me but Sugreeva is left unpunished.

 

Rama: That is because you deserve to be punished. One does not punish the innocent.

 

Bali: Listen, oh Rama. Sugriva took my wife; I am his elder brother. So if I take his wife, how do I become guilty and punishable?

 

Rama: Because it is never right for an elder brother to take his younger brother’s wife.

 

Bali: I have no reply to make. But by being killed by you I have been freed from all sins.

 

Rama: So be it.

 

Sugreeva: What a painful and pitiable sight! Oh, greatest of monkeys, you used to walk like an elephant and your arms are like the trunks of elephants. My heart seems to break when I now see those arms lying in the dust with their shoulder rings all scattered by the enemy’s arrow.

 

Bali: Sugreeva, this is destiny, fate, wordly dispensation.

 

Tara(Bali’s wife, whom bali and sugreeva ‘take’ from each other)’s voice from backstage – Alas, Alas, His majesty!!

 

Bali: Sugreeva, don’t let the women come here. It is not desirable that they should see me in this condition.

 

Sugreeva: Your highness’s orders will be carried out. Hanuman, see that it is done.

 

Hanuman: As the prince commands.

 

Hanuman exits and re-enetrs bringing Angada (Bali’s son) with him.

 

Hanuman: Angada, this way, this way.

 

Angada: Overcome with sorrow on hearing the news that the Emperor of monkeys is dying, I have come here walking with faltering steps. O’ Hanuman, where is the Emperor lying?

 

Hanuman: Look, there the emperor lies with his heart pierced by an arrow. He lies there like the Crouncha mountain when it was felled and shattered by Lord Subrahmanya’s trident.

 

Angada(going near Bali): O’ Maharaja, you, the noblest of the monkeys, were for long unequalled in strength and prowess and lived enjoying all the pleasure of the world. Oh, great Hero, what a painful sight it is to see you rolling in the dust now, with your mighty limbs deprived of all strength and movement! Are you desirous of going to heaven, throwing away this body torn with the arrow?

 

Bali: Angada, don’t be sorry

Sugreeva, forget all the wrongs that I have done. Now that you going to become the King of Monkeys, give up all anger and bitterness towards me, rule the kingdom according to Dharma and receive him(Angada) who is an ornament to our race.

 

Sugreeva: As the Maharaja commands!

 

Bali: Listen Rama, please forgive us for all our wrongs, considering them only to be the pranks and freaks natural to monkeys.

 

Rama: Yes, I shall do so.

 

Bali: Sugreeva, accept this Hemamala(golden necklace) which is the heirloom of our race.

 

Sugreeva: I am blessed!

 

Bali: Hanuman, get me some water.

 

Hanuman: As your majesty commands.

 

Hanuman makes his exit and then re-enters.

 

Hanuman: Here is water.

 

Bali: (after performing achama, a purification of the body with water)

 

I feel my life ebbing. I see the sacred rivers like the Ganga before me. Divine damsels like Urvashi approach me. Here is the chariot drwan by a thousand divine swans, sent by Yama, the god of Death, to transport me to the heaven of the heroes.

Let it be, here, here I come..

 

Dies

 

All say together: Alas! Alas! Maharaja!!

 

Rama: Alas, Bali is dead and he has attained heaven. Sugreeva, perform his funeral rites.

 

Sugreeva: As the Lord orders, so it will be done.

 

Rama: Lakshmana, perform the coronation ceremony of Sugreeva.

 

Lakshmana: As brother orders, so it will be done.

 

                                                                All exeunt.

The Death of Bali – Part two – Photograph

Guru Ammanur Madhava Chakyar as Bali and his nephew/disciple Ammannur Kuttan Chakyar as Sugreeva in the death scene. Photo by: Camilla Van Zuylen, Holland(1987).

The Death of Bali – Part One

Perhaps my earliest memory of ashaan’s(ashaan is how we address the master the malayalam, in this case Guru Ammannur) performance is that of Balivadham. I remember as a little girl being taken to a Bali vadham performance that went on and on into late night. I clearly remember saying to my mother “.. amma, wake me up when Bali starts to die..” and falling asleep. I also remember that she did wake me up to watch that scene.

In my mind, and in many others’ Bali is synonymous with Ammannur Madhava Chakyar. I am one of those who, blinded with admiration,  would declare that there had probably never been a greater Bali and will probably never be another one like him.

But I say this not merely out of emotion and nostalgia. It is a fact that the potrayal of Bali, specifically the death of Bali is certainly one of Guru Ammannur’s masterpieces.

I am taking the liberty to put an excerpt from my father’s(G.Venu) book – Production of a Play in Kutiyattam – which is based on Balivadham (Act one of Bhasa’s play Abhisheka Natakam).

This is from the foreword written by Ammannur himself:

“I have modified slightly the enactment of Bali’s death. I was emboldened to do this because of the training from Bhagavatar Kunjunni Thampuran of the Royal family of Kodungalloor. I went to Thampuran, who had done deep research in the art of drama, to learn the art strictly according to the principles laid down by Bharatha. I was his student for two years. He taught me also the minute details of climacteric breathing. This particular training took about forty days. The various svasas – the Kshudraka, Tamaka, Cchinna, Mahaan and Urdhvan – are controlled, one after another appropriately to make the death throes realistic. This is the essence of my modification”.

There are several interesting points in this quote that expalin exactly why Ammannur’s Bali was unique. One must note that Ammannur ashaan, after completing his basic training under his uncles in the traditional line, went to Bhagavathar Kunjunni Thampuran for a higher understanding and specialized training in abhinaya(the art of the actor,technique of ,acting) and Natyashastra(the great Indian Treatise Theatre ascribed to Sage Bharatha). Thampuran, a member of the Royal family of Kodungalloor was a great scholar and actors’ trainer. He had an actors’ laboratory in Kodungalloor where he gave specialzed training based on his research to few select performers . He inspired Ammannur to develop the technique of involving breath in abhinaya. They worked intensely on different scenes and particularly the death of Bali. The actual secrets of their collaborative work process was never revealed to another person.

Therefore, after this training Ammannur’s Bali became exclusive. He deviated from the traditional pattern(which was a very bold innovation in his time) and elaborated the death scene. I have strong memories of long death scenes that lasted up to 45 minutes.

After watching Balivadham in England in 1982(the performance presented was an edited version of the original play), Kenneth Rea wrote in ‘The Guardian’ –

“…Chakyar’s death scene in the play Balivadham was unforgettable. When he eased the arrow from his chest, some of the viscera came out too. It was a quiet, agonising death, like an animal fighting to stay alive, one of the bravest and most outrageous pieces of acting I have ever seen. Who else would take 15 minutes to die on stage and get away with it?”.

Will be continued with a photograph…