MV Bureau MUMBAI | Curtains fell on the two-day folklore-themed Koodiyattam Women’s Drama Festival organized in Nerul to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of Keli. The festival, which unfurled at the NBKS Hall on January 21, opened with a solemn moment of silence to respect the passing of the legendary Ustad Zakir Hussain. Celebrated painter and Kochi-Muziris Biennale director Bose Krishnamachari lit the ceremonial lamp, paying homage to folklorist SK Nair.
The Silver Conch of Keli was presented to the Kalamandalam Sindhu by Bose Krishnamachari. The opening day unfolded with the evocative presentation of Tarayude Atmagatangal, an introspective dive into the complexities of identity, followed by the powerful performance of Bhagavadajjukam on the second day.
Central to the festival’s ethos was a bold exploration of patriarchal constructs that historically barred the Panchakanyas - Ahalya, Draupadi, Sita, Mandodari, and Tara - from the sacred realm of Koodiyattam. Defying these long-held norms, modern women brought these iconic characters to life on stage, reclaiming their voices and narratives. Tara, often depicted in silent submission, was no longer a muted presence.
Drawing from her groundbreaking research in 2023, Kalamandalam Sindhu masterfully composed and presented the fourth segment of Udatharaghavam, a poignant reinterpretation of Mayurajan's play. A deeply stirring scene unfolds as Tara, now Sugriva's wife after Bali's tragic death, reflects on the unending cascade of misfortunes that have shadowed her life. The pinnacle of this emotional odyssey arrives with the depiction of Bali's death - a moment seared into memory. Overcome with anguish, a devastated Tara collapses in grief, rejecting the solace of those around her. Her sorrow crescendos into a heart-wrenching act of defiance: in a storm of emotion, she shatters her mangalsutra and hurls it at Rama. This singular act, laden with despair and silent reproach, stands as an unparalleled portrayal of contemporary feminine expression.
In a moment of raw confrontation and piercing introspection, Tara poses unflinching questions that resonate deeply with the audience. She challenges the narrative of triumph, asking what message such a victory conveys to the world. Is it not, she inquires, a stark expression of power wielded unjustly against the tribal community? Her poignant reflections unravel the veneer of glory, exposing a victory rooted in deception and betrayal. The intensity of these questions, laced with anguish and defiance, transcends the stage, striking a powerful chord with the audience.
The second day of the festival unfurled with an enchanting performance of the garden scene from Bodhayan's celebrated play Bhagavaddajjukam, brought to life with grace and artistry by Kalamandalam Sindhu and Kalamandalam Sangeetha. On stage were the mizhavu rythyms by Kalamandalam Jayaraj, edakka notes by Kalamandalam Rahul and Margi Akhil and thaalam by Margi Amrita.
Dileep Kumar Kodungallur provided a captivating live narration in both English and Malayalam, serving as a bridge between the intricate nuances of acting and the profound, evocative language of signs. NBKS secretary Prakash Kattakada, KKS president TN Hariharan and Dr Bindu felicitated the guests with bouquets. Acclaimed Carnatic musician Radha Namboothiri, Drupad maestro Pandit Pushparaj Koshti and social activist Rukmini Sagar felicitated the artistes.
