Sooraj Nambiar, one of many senior disciples of maestro Ammanur Madhava Chakyar, performing Unmatha Vikramam at Natanakairali, in Irinjalakuda.
| Picture Credit score: Particular Association
The architects of Koodiyattam, the Sanskrit theatre custom that survives solely in Kerala, is the Chakyar neighborhood for whom the efficiency of the artwork type is ‘Kuladharma’ (household responsibility). Whereas the works of varied well-known poets have remained the mainstay of this artwork type, it’s stunning to notice that the Chakyars have been much less enthusiastic concerning the works of Kalidasa, who’s well-liked throughout the globe.
It was Koodiyattam exponent G. Venu who broke the norm and carried out Kalidasa’s Abhignanasakutalam in 2003. The worldwide recognition it acquired inspired Venu to stage the primary three Acts of Vikramorvasiyam.
Just lately, Sooraj Nambiar, an ace performer and a disciple of the maestro Ammannur Madhava Chakyar sprang a shock by presenting the fourth Act — for the primary time within the historical past of Koodiyattam. With expertise of over three many years on this artwork type, Sooraj premiered his manufacturing Unmatha Vikraman at Natanakairali, Irinjalakuda.
Sooraj Nambiar in Unmatha Vikramam, staged at Natanakairali, in Irinjalakuda on April 6, 2024.
| Picture Credit score:
Particular Association
The 2-hour solo play was an exposition of Sooraj’s histrionics in addition to his dexterity as a choreographer.
The play revolves round episodes that observe the separation of Urvasi and king Pururavas. It reveals how the despondent king wanders within the forests searching for her. He errors the lightning and darkish clouds for a demon who has kidnapped Urvasi. Rains appear as if a bathe of arrows to him. Enraged, Pururavas begins to throw soil at them. However quickly realises it’s monsoon time and calms down.
Whereas journeying by way of the forest, Pururavas enquires about Urvasi from peacock, cuckoo, swan, elephants and the river. All of them appear to be detached to his queries. Lastly, he finds the Samgamaniya gem (shaped from the juice of the hibiscus flower that flowed from the ft of Parvathy) among the many rocks. Legend has it that this might be instrumental in his reunion with Urvasi.
Pururavas subsequent hugs a vine considering it to be Urvasi. The divine energy of the gem instantly transforms it into Urvasi, who carries the king to the cloud.
Sooraj impressed with this artistic portrayals. A scene from his debut manufacturing, Unmatha Vikramam’, which he carried out at Natanakairali in Irinjalakuda on April 6, 2024.
| Picture Credit score:
Particular Association
Sooraj’s expertise and creativity got here by way of through the part the place he interacts with the animals within the forest. Whereas the distinctive strategy of ‘pakarnattam’ in Koodiyattam is often employed for the portrayal of a number of characters by the actor, right here it served to signify animals and birds. The peacock dance appeared majestic. Spectacular have been the antics of birds, bugs, animals and the river.
Sooraj’s choreography deserves particular point out. The swara (raga) artham was chosen for ‘moolal and paadal’ (buzzing and singing) through the pravesakam (entry) of the hero to explain his temper. Additionally, the leaping on one leg was an uncommon method to convey the emotional turmoil of the king.
Sooraj Nambiar performing ‘Unmatha Vikaramam’ at Natanakairali, Irinjalakuda on April 6, 2024.
| Picture Credit score:
Particular Association
For the chari (gait) of the peacock, the indigenous rhythm of marma was employed, which enhanced the attraction of this scene. Mizhavu artistes Kalamandalam Rajeev and Kalamandalam Hariharan must be credited for selecting this.
The efficiency concluded with the customary ‘Mudiakkitha’.
The crew additionally comprised Kalanilayam Unnikrishnan on the edakka and Saritha Krishnakumar on the talam.
‘Unmatta Vikramam’ was the primary in-house manufacturing introduced underneath the auspices of Tripudi, the brand new cultural outfit, shaped in reminiscence of Sooraj’s grandmother Brahmani Pattu artiste Savithri Amma.
